NFL Reports: Steelers Might Keep Kenny Pickett as QB1, Not to Pursue Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield or Justin Fields

One of the most burning questions this offseason has been the Pittsburgh Steelers ‘ choice of quarterback for the upcoming 2024 season. It was reported last month that the team might bring in a new competition for their current QB, Kenny Pickett. With some exciting prospects this year in the Draft and free market, the Steelers have an enticing set of options to choose from.

This offseason’s everchanging dynamics have put forward many players rumored to land in Pittsburgh next season. Russell Wilson’s recent exit from the Denver Broncos, rumors of Justin Fields being traded from the Chicago Bears, and Kirk Cousins‘ uncertain future in the Minnesota Vikings, to name a few. However, according to recent reports, the Steelers seem to be leaning in a different direction.

Kenny Pickett might remain the first choice of the Steelers!

After an average performance in his two seasons after his draft in 2022, Kenny Pickett‘s position in the team came under question. Moreover, after suffering an injury last season, the QB was benched for the rest of the season. Adding in the fact of this year’s draft being quarterback-heavy and several veteran players set to enter free agency fuelled Pickett’s trade rumors.

However, the Steelers’ coach, Mike Tomlin had announced that Pickett will be granted another season, but they are looking for “competition” for the young QB. Looking at the latest reports hints towards the possibility of Pickett retaining his starting QB position.

According to The Atheltic‘s Mike DeFabo, Pittsburgh is not interested in acquiring Russell Wilson despite his recent release from the Broncos. Moreover, Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are also seemingly out of the mix. With the Chicago Bears predicted to use their No. 1 pick on getting a new quarterback, it was speculated that the QB Justin Fields might find a new home in Pittsburgh. However, the NFL Insider DM Russini reports otherwise.

Despite a disappointing 2023 season, Steelers hope for Pickett’s comeback

While everyone predicted that Pickett would either hit free agency or be traded before the upcoming season, Pittsburgh has decided to give him another chance. Pickett’s last season was riddled with injuries and was in and out of games. He suffered a rib injury in week 8 and an ankle sprain in week 13, forcing him to leave quite a few games unfinished. But after undergoing surgery for his ankle, Pickett hoped to complete his second season with grace.

However, he was benched by the team, and Mason Rudolph started the last three games in his place. Despite a rough season, Pickett is set to get a second chance at proving himself in Pittsburgh. Pickett had 62% completions and 7 total touchdowns before his season came to an early end. The Steelers hope the first-round pick will flourish under their new offensive coordinator.

Arthur Smith was the head coach of the Falcons previously and has high hopes for Pickett. Smith holds faith in him and aims to make a mature player out of the young QB. Steeler’s GM Omar Khan revealed that the new OC has “communicated” with Pickett and feels “optimistic” about him, as per ESPN. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Khan confirmed Pickett’s position in the team but hinted that the QB might be up for some competition in the next season.

“(I) feel really good about Kenny, but he knows, and we all know that there’s going to be competition in the room, and we’ve always been a team that keeps three quarterbacks.” Khan revealed, as per ESPN, “And I’d expect that to be the same this year. So we’ll look at all avenues,” 

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Ahead of the 2024 season, the Steelers have some tough decisions to make. While Kenny Pickett is here to stay, he would be shouldering some major responsibility of proving his worth and cementing his place as the starting quarterback.