Amidst the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ quarterback upheaval, an insider revelation sheds light on how Russell Wilson secured his place as the team’s QB1. Behind closed doors, negotiations and pivotal meetings unfolded, shaping a narrative that would redefine the Steelers’ quarterback dynamics for the upcoming season. However, amidst this turmoil, another narrative emerged—a tale of Kenny Pickett’s journey from confidence to departure.

As speculation abounded, one crucial thing emerged – while Wilson’s ascent to QB1 was deliberate, Pickett’s path took unexpected turns, ultimately leading to his departure from the Steelers’ roster. The 25-year-old QB’s exit came like a ‘reset button’ after a confident start yet a tumultuous season.

Now, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac has provided firsthand insights into the pivotal moment when Russell Wilson’s path to becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB1 was solidified. Reflecting on Wilson’s arrival, Dulac recounts the significant Zoom call between Wilson and team president Art Rooney II.

Dulac’s observations shed light on Wilson’s undeniable charisma and his profound impact on the Steelers’ decision-making process. “You know, um Rich, he had a 90-minute zoom call. He was in Pittsburgh on that Friday, and they did a zoom call with the team president Art Rooney II, who was in Florida,” Dulac elaborated. “And so, um, that meeting was supposed to last 20 minutes, and Russell Wilson said it lasted 90, and that he just knew he kind of hit it off with them.“

Amidst negotiations and discussions, a pivotal moment emerged when Wilson’s status as the Steelers’ QB1 became imminent. “I can’t tell you what exactly they said to Russell Wilson, but I think the understanding was that maybe Russell Wilson would take the first snap of training camp as the nine times Pro Bowl Super Bowl-winning quarterback, 36-year-old veteran,” Dulac continued. “But from that point on, the snaps would be split, and there would be a competition with Kenny Pickett.”

Monday morning brought a decisive shift in perspective. “But it was Monday morning when that all changed in Kenny Pickett’s mind,” Dulac revealed. “He basically did it to himself, Rich, by things he said and his attitude.”

While Pickett declared that he wanted to get a chance to grow elsewhere, there is more to the story. Even though Pickett spoke highly of his former team, Dulac’s narrative somewhat solidifies the reports that there was clearly some friction between Pickett and Steelers management.

Kenny Pickett would agree to disagree on the ‘Wilson situation’

According to Gerry Dulac, Pickett’s benching was a result of his inconsistent performance and reported discontent within the team despite a good start. “I know he was seven and four as a starter. He did a nice job, but he threw six touchdown passes and averaged 16.5 points in those 11 games. And after that Cleveland debacle, 13-10 in Cleveland, they were going to bench Kenny Pickett. But that’s what led to the firing of Matt Canada. So, it wasn’t exactly like they were enamored with his play to that point, but they were willing to go into year three with him. But again, that’s all a moot point now because Russell Wilson came in“

Pickett’s refusal to accept a backup role, combined with his reported reactions to Wilson’s signing, added to tensions within the Steelers’ quarterback room. “At this point they weren’t going to put up with it. And some of that goes back to last year, Rich, with the way he handled being benched. Well, not being bench with not getting his starting job back after Mason Rudolph came in and all of a sudden made the offense look like an NFL offense” revealed Gerry.

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Meanwhile, reflecting on his time in Pittsburgh, Pickett expressed confidence in handling the situation, dismissing reports of his discontent.“I think the communication is what it is… I’m confident in the way that I handled it. I handled it the way I should have handled it. I’m excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”

“Just Didn’t Pan Out”: Ben Roethlisberger’s Shoes Too Big for Kenny Pickett as Shannon Sharpe Comments on Mike Tomlin’s Steelers U-Turn

As Pickett embarks on a new chapter with the Eagles, he also faces the challenge of proving himself in a new environment while learning from experiences to shape his future in the NFL.

Antonio Brown Takes Aim at Kenny Pickett as Steelers Confirm Russell Wilson as QB1: “Major Upgrades”