Faced Similar Fate as Russell Wilson, Ex-Pro Bowl QB ‘Hates It For Kenny Pickett’ But Lauds Steelers’ $1.2M Steal

The Denver Broncos recently released Russell Wilson amidst dismal performance. On speculation that he could land up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the rumors are confirmed as he tagged the Steelers on social media and wrote, “Year 13. Grateful.” Wilson is a great steal despite his fruitless seasons in Denver, as the Steelers will pay him a $1.2 million veteran minimum salary. In comparison, the Broncos will continue paying him $39 million after the $85 million in dead cap space when they released him early. 

While many people are happy about the potential success that awaits Wilson in Pittsburgh, this turn of events gave birth to a possible crisis that the Steelers’ current starting QB, Kenny Pickett, could face. If anyone, former NFL star Robert Griffin III knows all too well about this possible hardship that Wilson’s arrival could give Kenny Pickett. See what he has to say about the situation. 

RGIII is stuck between his happiness for Wilson and dismay for Pickett

RGIII is holding nothing back when showing his love and support for Wilson, but he’s also feeling for Pickett. The former NFL QB posted his opinions on X about the Steelers signing Wilson, saying, “Love it for Russ… Hate it for Kenny Pickett.” Even as Wilson’s fans rejoice over his new signing, it poses a problem for Pickett, who could potentially lose his starting position to Wilson after his inconsistent performance on the field.

After being sidelined by an ankle injury, Pickett was replaced by backup QB Mason Rudolph, who will enter free agency this season. In his 12 games last season, he completed 62% of his passes for 2,070 yards, six TDs, and four interceptions. While Wilson was benched last season, he still delivered better than Pickett by completing 66.4% of his passes and recording 3,070 yards, 26 TDs, and eight interceptions. So, there is a high chance that a replacement could be impending for Pickett. This is where RGIII expressed his sympathy for the 25-year-old because he had faced this situation during his playing days.

RGIII hates he might witness history repeating itself

RGIII entered the NFL in 2012 as the first-round No. 2 pick by the Washington Redskins where he earned the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season. Despite his successful career, his injury in 2015 changed his destiny with the Redskins. He suffered a concussion in Week 2 and was replaced by Kirk Cousins, who ultimately stole his starting position, which led to the franchise releasing him in March 2016.

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The same month, RGIII joined the Cleveland Browns for a two-year contract. However, it wasn’t a smooth run because of consistent injuries, resulting in his release again in March 2017. He later joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, with whom he played his final season in 2020. While it’s highly likely that Pickett may lose his starting position, the same fate hopefully won’t happen to the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick.

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