Kenny Pickett throws another jab at Steelers
The ex-Steelers quarterback sounds thrilled to be out of Pittsburgh
The Kenny Pickett era with the Pittsburgh Steelers came to a sudden and surprising end earlier this year, as he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles not long after it was announced that the team had signed veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year contract.
According to reports, Pickett was dealt after expressing discontent with the acquisition of Wilson, as well as reportedly refusing to dress as a backup quarterback near the end of last season. And based on his time with the Eagles so far, he's got nothing but great things to say.
In fact, many are interpreting his most recent comments as a slight dig at the Steelers.
“I couldn't ask for a better room, better staff to be working with," Pickett said. "Obviously the talent around this team is pretty special, so it's a great group to be in."
The notion that Pickett wanted out of Pittsburgh was hinted at by ESPN's Brooke Pryor earlier this year, stating that he felt "betrayed" by the organization that had tabbed him as the heir to legendary figure Ben Roethlisberger.
"Pickett, per multiple sources, believed the Steelers were going back on their initial plan to give him the first-team reps, placing him at a disadvantage in any competition," Pryor reported. "Pickett expressed that he would rather play elsewhere and make a fresh start than compete from second place in Pittsburgh. On March 11, the day legal tampering opened in the NFL, and less than 24 hours after Wilson's announcement, rumblings of Pickett's anger began reverberating around the league, per sources who were involved in free agency negotiations for available quarterbacks. Four days later, the Steelers introduced Wilson in a noon news conference and then traded Pickett to the Eagles that same afternoon in a deal that included a picks swap."
Pickett also appeared to throw shade at the Steelers organization when he failed to thank them in his farewell message to the fans shortly after the trade to the Eagles:
“Thank you, Pittsburgh! 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. I made life-long friendships and relationships that I will always cherish. 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!!”
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