In his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Kenny Pickett revealed that he felt like he handled his departure from Pittsburgh the right way.
“I think the communication is what it is. It was behind closed doors. I’m confident with the way I handled it,” Pickett said.
According to Aditi Kinkwabwala of CBS Sports, Pickett was explicitly told by the Steelers that Russell Wilson would start, reneging on the pledge he’d been given that after two years of chaos, he’d finally be put in position to succeed. Pickett wasn’t pleased with the miscommunication and requested a trade.
Pickett also denied again the report that he refused to dress against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 last year. He feels how it’s being portrayed is not true and everything that week went as it was planned
“There was a plan there for that game. It went down exactly the way it was planned that week,” Pickett said.
Ultimately, Pickett feels like it was just time for a fresh start after playing seven years in the city of Pittsburgh, accounting for his Pitt tenure. He’ll now get the chance to play for the franchise that he grew up rooting for in Ocean Township, New Jersey.
“I just thought it was time. It just felt like it was time from things that transpired,” Pickett said. “Wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career. The fact that it’s in Philly, the place that I found the love for the game. A great coaching staff, great players. Looking forward to meeting these guys in a couple weeks when everyone gets back in town. I think it’s an awesome opportunity to join this team.”
Pickett shared a photo on his Instagram Story of when he was a kid with a Donovan McNabb jersey shortly after the trade was announced.
“It’s pretty unbelievable, honestly. I’ve been coming to games at the Linc since I was like 5-years-old,” Pickett said.
Pickett has he’s already spoken to starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. He knows that his job is to come in and help the team however he can.
The Steelers are scheduled to play the Eagles in Philadelphia in 2024.