Kenny Pickett Calls Eagles Arrival A 'Good Reset' And Discusses How He Handled Trade Request

Let's agree that everything you've heard and continue to hear in the media about Kenny Pickett's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers – both good and bad – is second-hand stuff.

None of us overheard the conversations coach Mike Tomlin had with Pickett when the Steelers began to engage Russell Wilson and then signed him. None of us.

One person who was in that conversation, Pickett, on Monday talked about the scenario that led him to request a trade and, contrary to reports, he thinks he handled things pretty well.

"Yeah, I think the communication is what it is. It's behind closed doors," Pickett said during his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia Eagles. "I'm confident in the way that I handled it. I handled it the way I should have handled it. You know, I'm excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly is where I end up landing in. I think everything happens for a reason, and I'm right where I'm supposed to be."

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Kenny Pickett Happy With Eagles

So there is obviously a difference of opinion about whether Pickett indeed handled the situation correctly. Steelers sources say Pickett was told of the team's interest in Wilson, which wasn't an issue for the quarterback. But after Wilson signed, Pickett was told the club would somewhat defer to Wilson because of his veteran status, and he would initially get the first repetitions with starters in practice.

Pickett perhaps didn't buy into the competition being fair. So he requested a trade.

And in so doing, he turned his back on a chance to compete for a starting job in exchange for his current situation where he's the backup and there is no such competition with starter Jalen Hurts.

"This thing is a good reset," Pickett said. "I think getting a chance to play on this team, in that quarterback room with a couple of great guys, helping those guys out any way I can and being ready if my number's called any time down the road, it's a crazy league, crazy business, just trying to put my best foot forward and be an asset for this team.

"I just thought it was time. I just felt it was time from the things that transpired. You know, wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career. The fact it's in Philly, the place I grew up, fell in love with the game here, with a great coaching staff, great players. I'm looking forward to meeting all these guys in a couple of weeks when everyone gets back into town. But I think it's an awesome opportunity to join this team." 

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers jogs across the field at halftime against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Pickett painted his two seasons in Pittsburgh and departure from the Steelers as something of a tough time. And there was a veiled suggestion he had to get out to recapture a love for football that perhaps he lost in Pittsburgh. 

"You always learn more from the adversities in life than a lot of your success stories," Pickett said. "Just putting my head down, going back to work. I love to play the game. I want to get back to having fun, getting a chance to meet these guys. And I already feel it's a great environment here with this coaching staff and these players. So that's just what I want to get back to."

There is a story making the rounds that Pickett canceled a workout session with Steelers teammates after he requested the trade.

What else was he supposed to do? Have them all fly to South Florida, where Pickett lives in the offseason, not knowing if he'd be elsewhere getting introduced as his new team's latest addition – something that actually happened?

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 12: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs out of the tunne prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Kenny Pickett Has Different View

The story makes Pickett sound like a jerk who only thought of himself. He predictably paints a different picture.

"Gave everything I had there and loved all my teammates and the coaches I came across," Pickett said of what he'll recall. "Some actually great memories I'll take forever and lifelong friendships. Talking to guys after it all went down, grateful for the time we had together and wish everyone over there nothing but the best."