The Eagles have obtained Kenny Pickett through a trade with the Steelers.
The Philadelphia Eagles, renowned for their understanding of quarterback depth, recognize the significance of monitoring league movements and anticipating potential repercussions. With the Pittsburgh Steelers acquiring veteran Russell Wilson as their new signal-caller, the Eagles seized a valuable opportunity to assess the feasibility of acquiring Kenny Pickett, the 2022 first-round pick who served as the Steelers’ starting quarterback at the outset of the 2023 season, to serve as backup to Jalen Hurts.
As it transpired, the Steelers were open to parting ways with Pickett to focus on bolstering support for Wilson. Subsequently, the Eagles announced on Saturday morning their agreement to trade for Pickett, the 20th overall pick in 2022, along with a 2024 fourth-round selection (No. 120 overall), in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 98 overall) and two 2025 seventh-round picks. The trade is contingent upon a physical examination, ensuring the Eagles retain their total of eight selections in the upcoming NFL Draft. The last instance of the Eagles acquiring a veteran quarterback via trade was in August 2021 when Gardner Minshew was added to offer expertise and depth behind Hurts.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Pickett embarks on a fresh chapter in his career on the opposite side of the state, representing the team he passionately supported in his youth. Hailing from Oakhurst, New Jersey, Pickett fondly reminisces attending Eagles games with his father, Ken, and even recalls meeting Eagles Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb at a fan festival during his childhood.
Before becoming the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh, Pickett flourished at the University of Pittsburgh, culminating in a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting after leading the Panthers to the 2021 ACC Championship and a No. 13 final ranking. Pickett’s stellar statistics at Pitt, including 4,319 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, 47 total touchdowns, and 334 completions, set single-season records for the school.
Having concluded his college tenure as Pitt’s all-time leader in various categories, including wins, passing yards, pass completions, total offense, touchdown responsibility, and passing touchdowns, the soon-to-be 26-year-old quarterback made an impactful NFL debut in Week 4 of his rookie season. Notably, he set a franchise record for the most passing yards (327) in his first career start the subsequent week against the Buffalo Bills. Furthermore, Pickett secured victories in six of his final seven starts of the season, displaying immense promise by only throwing one interception during this period.
Throughout his two seasons with the Steelers, Pickett garnered a 14-10 record as a starter, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, while registering 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. The Eagles’ quarterback room now comprises Hurts, Pickett, and Tanner McKee, with last year’s backup, Marcus Mariota, having signed with Washington in free agency.
