Exclusive; Writer Believes Kenny Pickett’s Pittsburgh Steelers Career Is Over

In preparation for the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers acknowledged their requirement to enhance their quarterback position.

During the previous two regular seasons, the team’s quarterbacks had only thrown 24 touchdown passes in a total of 34 games. Consequently, Kenny Pickett still needed to demonstrate that he was capable of becoming their long-term quarterback solution.

There was no delay in discovering the enhancement they required.

On March 10th, ESPN’s Adam Schefter disclosed that the Steelers had reached an agreement with Russell Wilson, a former quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

This is a decision that will enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming 2024 season; however, it will also significantly impact Pickett.

According to Mark Kaboly from The Athletic, Pickett’s time with the Steelers is almost finished due to this decision.

It’s highly probable that Rudolph will find another team, and without a doubt, Pickett’s days with the Pittsburgh Steelers are numbered. The decision regarding Pickett’s fifth-year option must be made by the Steelers in May of next year. Perhaps if Wilson faltered spectacularly while Pickett excelled towards the end of the season, there could be a chance for him to stay on track; however, it would require much luck.

The Steelers’ situation rapidly transformed.

Throughout the offseason, the Steelers had maintained their belief that Pickett would assume the role of starting quarterback in 2024.

Until recently, the administration remained steadfast in their belief that Pickett was the chosen one and assigned some responsibility for his difficulties to ex-offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

Pickett’s perceived level of confidence from the team shifted rapidly.

After the Broncos announced Wilson’s upcoming release on March 4, a meeting was arranged with him promptly and by March 10th, they had come to an agreement.

The team couldn’t say no to the opportunity of acquiring a nine-time Pro Bowler for the league minimum, especially after enduring two seasons of poor QB performance.

Nevertheless, Pickett is left with considerable uncertainty regarding his future prospects. However, it’s possible that the outlook may not be as hopeless as it currently appears.

The likelihood of Kenny Pickett having a future in Pittsburgh.

Pickett may still have a future in Pittsburgh, without Wilson needing to fail during the 2024 season.

Currently, Pickett and the Steelers are in a binding situation as they have committed to each other. This is due to his fully guaranteed four-year contract of $14 million that runs until at least 2025 season end.

His market value for trade is probably not very strong at the moment due to a difficult initial couple of seasons.

Wilson’s age is catching up with him as he nears 36 years old during the 2024 season and Pittsburgh has only pledged their commitment to him for a solitary year.

Given all of these factors, it is conceivable that Wilson’s performance may decline and as a result, the Steelers could opt to not have him return for a second year as their starting quarterback.

During this time, Pickett will have had the opportunity to evolve on the sidelines and glean knowledge from a nine-time Pro Bowler.

Pickett’s last opportunity to demonstrate his worthiness as the Steelers’ quarterback may have been postponed for another year, based on this entire circumstance.

It is possible that Wilson’s performance in 2024 may secure him a new deal with the Steelers. However, Pickett might still have an opportunity to demonstrate his worth and avoid searching for another team elsewhere.

The outcome will be determined by the extent to which Pickett can enhance his skills while resting on the bench for a year.