Kenny Pickett’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers was marked by turbulence, and it seems his departure for the 2024 NFL season is met with little regret from his former teammates.
After the 2023 NFL season, Kenny Pickett transitioned from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jaylen Warren didn’t hold back his sentiments about Kenny Pickett, drawing comparisons between him and Russell Wilson, implying that Pickett’s absence won’t be mourned within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ ranks.
Warren recently appeared on Cameron Hayward’s podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” for a live NFL Draft episode. When asked to contrast the presence of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields with that of Pickett, Warren was candid in his assessment, emphasizing the stark disparity in leadership styles. “Oh, it’s a night and day difference from last year; the leadership speaks volumes,” he remarked.
This depiction of Pickett’s demeanor aligns with previous reports detailing tensions between the quarterback and the Steelers. Allegedly, Pickett refused to participate in the Steelers’ 30-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks despite being cleared medically, sparking controversy behind the scenes.
Pickett defended his actions by stating that the coaching staff deemed him unfit to play. However, tensions escalated when the Steelers signed Wilson following his release from the Denver Broncos, ultimately leading to Pickett’s trade to the Philadelphia Eagles for draft picks. It’s speculated that Pickett’s response to Wilson’s arrival influenced this decision.
Reflecting on his departure during his introductory press conference with the Eagles, Pickett emphasized his professionalism in handling the situation. “I think the communication is what it is,” he remarked. “I’m confident in the way I handled it. I’m excited to be here.”
Viewing his move to Philadelphia as a fresh start, Pickett expressed optimism about joining the team and continuing his career growth. “I just thought it was time,” he explained. “It just felt like it was time, and I wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career.”