Report: Eagles acquire QB Kenny Pickett from Steelers in pick-swap deal

There’s a new backup quarterback in Philadelphia.

Per multiple reports, the Eagles have acquired QB Kenny Pickett from the Steelers in a pick-swap deal.

Trade: Steelers are sending QB Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in a pick swap, sources tell ESPN.

Once Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, Pickett preferred to move on. pic.twitter.com/cvsAP2e8lB

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024

Trade Details

Eagles Acquire

• 2024 4th-round pick (#120)
• QB Kenny Pickett

Steelers Acquire

• 2024 3rd-round pick (#98)
• 2025 7th-round pick
• 2025 7th-round pick

Despite being the first QB selected in his draft class, Pickett found himself in a difficult position. He was asked to elevate the franchise with a bottom-tier offensive line and was often blamed for the Steelers’ poor performance.

Entering the third year of his rookie contract, Pickett requested a trade once the Steelers signed newly-released Russell Wilson. Now, the Jersey native will play for the team he rooted for growing up.

According to Albert Breer, Pickett was initially open to competing for the starting job in Pittsburgh before Wilson’s arrival. He seemingly changed his tone once Wilson was introduced, and Pickett’s “poor handling” of the situation led to the Steelers’ decision to trade him, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

From a value standpoint, Pickett is owed just $4.6M in guaranteed money over the next two years and has a fifth-year option in 2026 — a better cap investment than spending $5M+ on a veteran.

Contracts backup QBs signed this offseason

• Sam Darnold: one-year, $10M
• Jacoby Brissett: one-year, $8M
• Marcus Mariota: one-year, $6M
• Drew Lock: one-year, $5M

Pickett gives the Eagles a solid insurance policy with starting experience behind franchise QB Jalen Hurts. Knowing Howie Roseman, he’ll flip Pickett to a desperate team for draft assets down the road.

The former first-round pick remains a prime trade target for teams that will need a signal-caller in the future. If Pickett can turn heads during the preseason and (if necessary) the regular season, his trade value will only rise.

We don’t expect Kenny Pickett to be the Eagles’ backup for years to come, but we do expect him to be a viable sub-quarterback who can win games in a pinch if Hurts misses time for any reason.

Pickett finished his Steelers career with a 14-10 record, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

PICKETT DART! 🎯 @steelers answer right back in Vegas 😮

📺: #PITvsLV on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/oKZBIH1Rly pic.twitter.com/V1S7Xq3CfV

— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Joe Sargent | Getty Images