Story perspectives

Steelers Trade Kenny Pickett to Eagles After Super Bowl Ring

6/21/2026

Summary

Pickett Traded

Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Eagles in March 2024.
Pickett earned a Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts’s backup.
Kevin Colbert defended the 2022 pick, noting Pickett’s 14-10 starter record, 2,404 yards, seven TDs, nine INTs and a Week 13 ankle injury that ended his 2023 season.
Coach Mike McCarthy must develop quarterbacks after the Steelers used veterans Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and drafted Will Howard (2025) and Drew Allar (2026).

Summary

Steelers Reject Rebuilding

The Steelers have made only five top-10 draft picks in 53 years, never higher than No. 7.
Owner Art Rooney II says the Steelers will not label any season a “rebuilding” year to chase a high draft slot.
Analysts argue the franchise’s historic reluctance to draft high-profile quarterbacks forces it to consider a bottom-third finish to obtain the next true franchise quarterback.

History

Historical Context

In January 1970, the NFL’s first post-merger draft gave the Pittsburgh Steelers the No. 1 overall pick, which they used on quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw anchored a dynasty that won four Super Bowls from 1974 to 1979. Under owner Art Rooney II and coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers trade for quarterbacks rather than a top-pick, echoing a shift from the draft-driven model that built their 1970s success.

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Pickett Traded

Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Eagles in March 2024.
Pickett earned a Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts’s backup.
Kevin Colbert defended the 2022 pick, noting Pickett’s 14-10 starter record, 2,404 yards, seven TDs, nine INTs and a Week 13 ankle injury that ended his 2023 season.
Coach Mike McCarthy must develop quarterbacks after the Steelers used veterans Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and drafted Will Howard (2025) and Drew Allar (2026).

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