The Philadelphia Eagles have traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They signed the 2022 first-round pick to serve as the backup to veteran starter Jalen Hurts. According to reports, the Eagles sent a 2024 third-round draft pick and two seventh-rounders in 2025 to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pickett and a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Pickett, the 20th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh, started 24 games over his first two professional seasons with the Steelers. Unfortunately, his tenure was marked by struggles with injuries and inconsistency. He went 14-10 as the starter while Pittsburgh’s offense languished near the bottom of the league rankings.

The Steelers fired embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada during the 2024 season, with Pickett showing glimpses of improvement before injuries again derailed his campaign. When the league’s sources broke out Pickett’s trade news to ESPN’s Adam Adam Schefter on Friday, they also mentioned that Pickett preferred to get a fresh start elsewhere. And well, he reportedly got one.

Many are indeed hailing this move. Joy Taylor, co-host of the YouTube show SPEAK came in with some logic about this reported Eagles’ move. “I do think this is a better move for the Eagles than Justin Fields,” said Taylor, referring to potential interest in the Bears QB. “Justin Fields would have been a better fit as a backup for Jalen Hurts, but I think he would have brought too much noise and doubt around the QB1 role.”

As for the Steelers, veteran backup Mason Rudolph took over starting duties late in 2023 and guided the team to an unlikely playoff berth. In Philadelphia, the 24-year-old Pickett will slot in as the primary backup to Hurts, the Eagles’ undisputed starting quarterback coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2022. Former backup Marcus Mariota departed for the Washington Commanders this offseason.

Interestingly, the league’s sources also revealed that in light of this trade, it is likely that Russell Wilson will start the 2024 season opener for the Steelers. This means that Pittsburgh will have a different starting QB in Week 1 for the fourth straight season.

Without ‘Any Competition’ From Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson Will Be Arthur Smith’s Preferred QB1 at Steelers as Per Ex-Broncos Star Mark Schlereth

For the Steelers, trading Pickett for modest draft capital clears the way for the newly-signed Russell Wilson to take over as the unquestioned starting quarterback in 2024. From the Eagles’ perspective, Pickett provides an experienced young backup with 24 starts under his belt at a cost-controlled number behind Hurts. However, barring an injury to the incumbent, Pickett likely has no path to starting games in Philadelphia. At just 24, he still has potential future starter upside if traded again down the road.

Justin Fields’ uncertain future amid Kenny Pickett’s ascension

While Kenny Pickett has found his near-term niche as Jalen Hurts’ backup in Philadelphia, Justin Fields’ quarterback situation remains very much in limbo with the Chicago Bears. Fields has shown flashes of promise over his first two NFL seasons as the Bears’ starter. However, the inconsistent play has called into question if he is the long-term answer under center for Chicago.

The new offensive coordination team can unlock Fields’ potential in 2024. But rumors persist they could target a top QB prospect like Caleb Williams if given the chance. Fields’ stock took another hit when the Eagles preferred Pickett, with his experience and pedigree, as Hurts’ backup over him.

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The Bears may commit to giving Fields one more season to solidify himself as their franchise QB. If he falters again, Chicago may join Pittsburgh in moving on from their initial investment under center. For now, Pickett has a clear role holding the clipboard for the NFC-contending Eagles. For Fields, his future remains murky as he fights an uphill battle to cement himself as the Bears’ long-term solution at the game’s most vital position.

After Wishing Mike Tomlin “Happy Birthday”, Russell Wilson “Ready to Work” as Kenny Pickett Quits Steelers for Eagles