Steelers' Mike Tomlin Detailed That Kenny Pickett Believed He'd Benefit From A "Change Of Scenery"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a firm decision on Kenny Pickett's future with the team when they traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. The move came after Pickett showed frustration over the signing of former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. According to Mike Tomlin, the move was giving both the Steelers and Pickett the fresh start they needed.

Pickett was the Steelers' first-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he seemed like a positive, home-grown talent story. Unfortunately, that didn't end well, with the Steelers getting a small return for Pickett, considering what they originally invested in him.

During the 2024 annual league meeting, Tomlin spoke to the media regarding the quarterback changes and what the team expects going forward. He also took some time to talk about the Pickett situation and everything that transpired leading up to it. There was a sense that both Pittsburgh and Pickett needed this change, and it would work out best for both sides in the long run.

"From his perspective, he felt like a change of scenery would be a good thing. Obviously, when we felt the trajectory of the business with Chicago moving in the right direction, those dominoes started falling...I won't get into specifics about our conversations, but I am appreciative of his efforts during his time in Pittsburgh and I wish him nothing but the absolute best in Philadelphia."

After acquiring Wilson, it was expected that the Steelers would make the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback as the starter heading into their 2024 training camp. That didn't sit well with Pickett, and apparently, according to Tomlin's quotes to reporters, the early workings of the Fields deal didn't help Pickett's mood. Tomlin was grateful to Pickett for the effort he put forth during his time with the team, even if that effort never reached the potential the franchise had hoped for.

Pickett will now be the backup to Jalen Hurts, while the Steelers will head into 2024 with a very different quarterback room than they had as they exited the 2023 Wild Card round of the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. Whatever Fields and Wilson end up doing, it's fair to say that both the Steelers and both their current and former quarterbacks are much happier with the situation as it is now.

Steelers Could Add One More Big Name

While the quarterback room is coming together for the Steelers, they still need someone other than George Pickens for them to pass to. Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson are expected to contribute, but not to the level a true number two receiver could. With several moves during the 2024 offseason being unexpected and aggressive for a franchise that is used to sitting back during this time of year, more could be on the way.

Some names floated have been Brandon Aiyuk or Justin Jefferson to accompany Pickens into the 2024 season. Both receivers would command high prices, but Omar Khan has already shown the ability to get what he wants for a price few think is possible. Chase Claypool is proof enough of that, then turning the pick around into Joey Porter Jr. just shows the depth of Khan's vision.

If Jefferson or Aiyuk would be a realistic option to play opposite Pickens, it could be the piece that gets the Steelers from possible contenders to playing for a deep playoff run. Since the Steelers have been without a playoff win for quite some time, the prospect of seeing some postseason success might be worth a little extra. If Khan sees the way, then it must be right.

Who will the Steelers bring in at receiver next? 

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