Kenny Pickett hoped to contest with Jalen Hurts for the starting role when trading to the Philadelphia Eagles in March, but his status as their backup quarterback may now be at risk.
Pickett, 26, was traded to the Eagles from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft , and a fourth-round selection also went to Philadelphia. Pickett made a major statement at the beginning of the summer with claims made that he was playing better than Hurts, but his performances have since declined in training camp.
According to 94.1 Wip.com , there has been a huge shift in momentum and Pickett is now facing competition from Tanner McKee, who was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Both quarterbacks are expected to get reps in preseason which could decide who plays backup to Hurts next season, but McKee is currently leading the race.
It's been an up-and-down start to life in the NFL for Pickett, who initially showed fight after being named as the Steelers backup behind Mitchell Trubisky before being promoted to starter. Pickett was the No. 20 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but things haven't gone as expected for Pittsburgh product.
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Pickett has started 12 games in each of his first two NFL seasons, although the Steelers made a clear statement toward the end of last year. Pickett suffered an ankle injury in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, and after an extended recovery period was listed as active for the final game of the regular season.
However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin opted to start Mason Rudolph ahead of him, and Pickett knew it was time to move on. Forcing Hurts out of the Eagles starting lineup is no easy task, but now Pickett could become QB3 if McKee continues to progress.
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When joining the Eagles, Pickett was excited for the change of scene after spending a large part of his life in Pittsburgh. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm going through it right now.
"I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia... I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better.
"The world has enough doubters. There are plenty of people that are doubting. That's probably the majority of people that are out there in the media, fan bases. But ... coaches, family members, if you turn your mind around and try and prove them right and what they believe in you, you'll be in a more positive mindset."
After taking part in the Eagles offseason program Pickett was even happier with his decision, as he told NBC Sports: "I couldn't ask for a better room, better staff to be working with. Obviously, the talent around this team is pretty special, so it's a great group to be in."
The 2024 NFL season is now just over four weeks away, and Pickett will battle with McKee through the three scheduled preseason games. Following games against the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will have a big decision to make regarding the depth chart.
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