NFL Fans Left Stunned After Kenny Pickett's Trade to Eagles from Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Per Schefter, the Eagles received Pickett along with the No. 120 pick in the 2024 draft. In return, the Steelers now own the No. 98 pick along with two seventh-round selections in 2025.

Pickett started in 24 games over the past two seasons in Pittsburgh, although his future with the organization was unclear after the team signed former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract at the start of free agency.

Now, the 25-year-old is the clear-cut backup in Philadelphia behind two-time Pro Bowl passer Jalen Hurts. NFL fans were surprised by the trade, as Pickett was selected by the Steelers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2020 draft.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers made the trade because of the way Pickett was "poorly handling" the arrival of Wilson.

The young signal-caller was never able to break free from inconsistency in Pittsburgh, completing 62.6 percent of his throws for 4,474 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 13 interceptions during his first two years in the NFL.

Some were relieved that his time with the team was finished, looking forward to Wilson starting under center in 2024.

Now, the Steelers will head into the 2024 season without a quarterback competition. Meanwhile, the Eagles found a new backup for Hurts after Marcus Mariota signed with the Washington Commanders.