Kenny Pickett leaves Steelers out on farewell note as he breaks down details

NFL

by Jacqueline Hendricks

Kenny Pickett's farewell letter to Pittsburgh appears to be missing one important piece.

The 25-year-old quarterback took to Instagram on Sunday and talked about his football career in Pittsburgh, which included his college days at the University of Pittsburgh, without mentioning the Steelers, who traded him to the Eagles on Friday after just two seasons.

“Thank you, Pittsburgh! I came to this city 7 years ago and my life was changed forever. Grateful for all the wonderful people I have been fortunate enough to meet, and for everyone who has supported me along the way. I have made lifelong friendships and relationships that I will always cherish.” Beckett wrote Along with a photo of him on the day of the Steelers game.

“Now, I'm proud and excited for the next opportunity in my career – to be able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Bird!!

Pickett, a New Jersey native, played for the Panthers from 2017-2021.

He was then selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft (20th overall) and appeared in 25 games for the team, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over two seasons.

The Steelers moved Pickett just days after the team agreed to a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

Beckett's “apparent dissatisfaction with the arrival of Russell Wilson” contributed to the move, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Friday.

When pressed about the matter Monday in his Eagles introductory news conference, Pickett said, “I handled it the way I should have handled it.”

“I think communication is what it is. It was behind closed doors. I'm confident in the way I handled it,” Beckett said. According to Pro Football Talk.

“I'm excited to be here. It went so well that Philadelphia was where I ended up landing.

Pickett will now back up Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts.

Much like the Eagles, the Steelers also stayed busy this weekend by adding another quarterback, acquiring Justin Fields from the Bears on Saturday.

Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is expected to be Wilson's replacement.