CBS Sports Tabs Kenny Pickett as Steelers’ Biggest Offseason Loss
Many wouldn’t consider Kenny Pickett a big loss for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I mean, he threw 13 touchdown passes in 25 games during his time in Pittsburgh. Most view it as a sigh of relief that he’s gone and Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are now the quarterback options.
However, in a recent article, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports tabbed Pickett as the Steelers’ most important departure during the 2024 offseason. Sullivan notes that the Steelers had some of the biggest quarterback turnover throughout the NFL with the acquisitions of Wilson and Fields, coupled with Pickett being shipped cross-state to the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade.
Other than that, Sullivan didn’t elaborate on why Pickett is the biggest offseason loss for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson should have been tabbed as the Steelers’ biggest offseason departure. The Steelers still don’t have a clear answer to how they’re going to replace Johnson’s production.
Perhaps Roman Wilson steps up as the No. 2 wide receiver. But that’s a risky proposition with a rookie. As it stands now, the Steelers have a bottom-tier wide receiver corps. It’s just George Pickens and a bunch of second-tier receivers.
For what it’s worth, Pickett has reportedly been impressive at Eagles’ OTAs.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted that Pickett has especially been efficient in the red zone with the second-team offense.
“Quarterback Kenny Pickett and the second-unit offense had greater success in the red zone — or the Eagles’ second team defense fared worse — depending upon how it’s viewed,” McLane wrote.
“Pickett’s first pass to running back Kenneth Gainwell was dropped (he’s had a few of those this camp). But he hooked up with Joseph Ngata in the back of the end zone when the receiver lost cornerback Kelee Ringo. He then lofted a pass to rookie receiver Ainias Smith, who made a nice grab, just before the back line.”
The Steelers play the Eagles on Dec. 15 at Lincoln Financial Field. Unless an injury occurs with Jalen Hurts, Pickett will be watching from the sideline as Philadelphia’s No. 2 quarterback.
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