18 March 2024 , 21:58
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Kenny Pickett has spoken out about his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Philadelphia Eagles, insisting he has no hard feelings towards his former team.
In his introductory press conference with the Eagles on Monday, the 25-year-old explained how he believes he handled his exit from the Steelers correctly.
"I think the communication is what it is," Pickett told reporters. "It was behind closed doors. I'm confident in the way I handled it. I handled it the way I should've handled it. I'm excited to be here."
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"It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in. So, I think everything happens for a reason and I'm right where I'm supposed to be."
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Pickett's comments come after the signal caller posted a farewell message to the city of Pittsburgh but not the Steelers organization. It was reported that Pickett took umbrage with the Steelers signing Russell Wilson, with reports stating the quarterback was handling the arrival of Russell Wilson "poorly."
"Thank you, Pittsburgh! " Pickett wrote on his personal Instagram page. "I came to this city 7 years ago and my life changed forever. Grateful for all of the amazing people I was fortunate enough to cross paths with, and for all of those who supported me along the way."
Kenny Pickett stated he needed to have a "fresh start" after his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)"Now, I am honored and excited for the next opportunity in my career - being able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Birds!!"
Since being picked 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett has had some struggles with consistency and staying fit. As a starter, Pickett's record is 14-10 in 24 games, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
With the young quarterback set to play for the Eagles next season, he said it was a "good reset" and felt it was time for him to move on, to be the best version of himself. "I just thought it was time," Pickett added. "It just felt like it was time from the things that happened and I wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and to continue to grow my career.
"The fact that it's in Philly, the place where I grew up, found a love for the game here, with a great coaching staff, great players, I'm looking forward to meeting these guys in a couple weeks when everyone gets back into town. But I think it's an awesome opportunity here to join this team."
In Philadelphia, Pickett will be the backup quarterback to Jalen Hurts. Hurts has proven to be the undisputed starter, leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2022, and has shown a knack for staying fit, despite being one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.
Even though they are the same age, Pickett could learn a lot from Hurts. Especially now that his time with the Steelers has ended the way it did.