AP Sports Writer
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — The short and turbulent time with Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh has come to an end.
The Steelers are trading the quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple sources who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press because the deal is not yet official.
In return for Pickett and Pittsburgh’s fourth-round pick this year, Pittsburgh will receive a third-round pick in this year’s NFL draft and two seventh-round picks in the 2025 draft.
The trade happened shortly after the Steelers signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, creating competition for the starting quarterback position. It seemed likely that Wilson would have the advantage when the team reported for training camp at Saint Vincent College in July.
During his introductory press conference on Friday, Wilson declined to confirm that he expected to be the starter and mentioned that he and Pickett planned to work together to improve the team.
Following the departure of Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, Wilson is the only quarterback on the roster.
As a first-round draft pick from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022, Pickett struggled with injuries and had difficulty making a significant impact on the struggling offense, despite a 14-10 record as a starter.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed support for Pickett after the season ended and the general manager indicated confidence in Pickett's potential to work well with the new offensive coordinator.
However, the team later signed Wilson to a one-year deal.
This unexpected move by the normally practical Steelers marks the end of the once-promising partnership between Pittsburgh and Pickett, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021 and led Pitt to its first ACC title.
The Steelers selected Pickett in the first round in 2022, and he took on the starting role during a game against the New York Jets. While he didn't have outstanding statistics, he showed an ability to lead late-game comebacks, such as victories over Baltimore and Oakland in the 2022 season.
Despite a promising win over Cincinnati, the Steelers decided to replace the offensive coordinator, and Pickett suffered an ankle injury during the following game against Arizona, leading to surgery.
When the ankle was all better, the Steelers were doing really well with Rudolph, and Pickett was Rudolph’s backup for the last two weeks.
In Philadelphia, Pickett won't be in the huge spotlight because Jalen Hurts is already the established starter. Pickett, who grew up near Lincolin Financial Field, will have a chance to start fresh after a quick career downfall.
The Eagles will also have a more experienced backup for Hurts, who they drafted in 2020 after giving Carson Wentz a long extension.
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