Eagles’ Kenny Pickett receives unexpectedly high praise in recent power rankings.
During the offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have made significant moves, including extending key players and making impactful draft choices. One of the more under-the-radar moves was trading for former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett to serve as Jalen Hurts’ backup.
The Steelers revamped their quarterback lineup by acquiring Justin Fields and signing Russell Wilson, leading to Pickett and Mason Rudolph moving to new teams. Now in Philadelphia, Pickett is embracing his role as the backup.
Despite being a backup, industry experts recognize Pickett’s value. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked Pickett and the Eagles’ quarterback situation third among the top 10 backup quarterbacks in the league. Benjamin noted that while Pickett had an inconsistent stint with the Steelers, he benefits from a superior supporting cast in Philadelphia, including Pro Bowlers at key positions.
A fresh start in Philly might be the best thing for Pickett. While being a backup isn’t ideal for a first-round pick, it could secure his long-term NFL career. Though it might be challenging for Pickett to adjust from potential franchise quarterback to backup, he remains close to home and joins a winning environment.
Should Jalen Hurts suffer an injury, Pickett would be well-positioned for success, surrounded by talent like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley. Given the increased prominence of the backup quarterback role, Pickett’s chances of playing are higher than ever, and he’ll be prepared and well-supported.
