Kenny Pickett feels right at home with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The quarterback spoke to media on Monday for his introductory press conference after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett said the move is a ‘reset’ after a tumultuous season in the Steel City when he had ankle surgery and was demoted from the starting role.
‘It just felt like it was time from the things that transpired and wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else to continue to grow my career,’ he said. ‘… I just think it’s a good reset. I think getting a chance to play on this team in that quarterback room with a couple great guys, helping those guys out any way I can and just be ready if my number’s called somewhere down the road. It’s a crazy, crazy league, crazy business, just trying to put my best foot forward and be an asset for this team.’
Pickett, who played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, said that he has no hard feelings toward the Steelers organization. There were rumblings that the former first round draft pick was unhappy when the front office signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and that’s when he asked for a trade.
‘I think the communication is what it is, it was behind closed doors,’ he said. ‘I’m confident in the way that I handled it. I handled it the way I should’ve handled it. I’m excited to be here. 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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‘I gave everything I had there and loved all of my teammates and the coaches that I came across,’ he said. ‘Some absolute great memories that I’ll take forever and lifelong friendships. And talking to guys after it all went down, just grateful that we had the time we had together and wish everyone over there nothing but the best.’
Another quarterback who joined the Steelers’ quarterback room this offseason was former first round pick Justin Fields, who was at the helm of the Chicago Bears for three seasons. Other starting quarterbacks who were dealt as most likely second-stringers include Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder.
‘Everyone wants to win now. It’s an extremely competitive league,’ Pickett said. ‘I think every franchise, every organization handles it differently. I don’t think there’s any right or wrong way. It’s just kinda how the business has transpired over these past couple of years. I think as young players, I think everyone understands what you’re getting yourself into when you make it to this level.’
Pickett said he’s not worried about playing on a team that has a clear starter in Jalen Hurts. He said he has familiarity with the team from when they scouted him ahead of the 2022 draft and he is looking forward to joining a team that has the same ‘core values.’
He grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, but before that, his father spent time in the City of Brotherly Love and became an Eagles fan. He passed his fandom down to his son, who listed Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook as his heroes.
‘It’s pretty unbelievable, honestly. I’ve been coming to games at the Linc since I was like five years old,’ Pickett said. ‘I have great memories of my dad taking me here, my grandfather, all my family members coming out to games together and just having great memories and the fact that hopefully I can help provide some great memories for some other families now coming up, it’s pretty surreal and a full circle moment for me.’