Steelers tab Kenny Pickett to start second half, bench struggling Mitch Trubisky

The future is now — Kenny Pickett is starting the second half for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After drafting the Heisman finalist out of Pittsburgh in the first round of April’s 2022 NFL Draft, the clock was ticking on when he would take over the Steelers’ offense. Evidently, incumbent starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky could no longer hold him off, as Pickett has officially been tabbed for the job against the New York Jets.

“The #Steelers are making a QB change: Kenny Pickett replaces Mitch Trubisky to start the second half against the #Jets,” tweeted Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Moreover, Pickett is coming off of a spectacular senior season in which he threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He helped lead the Pittsburgh Panthers to an 11-3 finish this past season, including an appearance in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State.

Now, it’s his time with the Steelers. The Kenny Pickett era is upon us, and he’ll indisputably be given every chance to succeed.

Mike Tomlin praises Kenny Pickett, details why Steelers drafted him

Following the 2022 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin dished on the behind-the-scenes details surrounding their No. 1 selection Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose the Pittsburgh Panthers star with the No. 20 overall pick on night one, placing high hopes on the quarterback who will take over after the long Ben Roethlisberger era.

“First of all, he had a couple of elements of his game that were really attractive,” Tomlin said on The Rich Eisen Show. “His ability to anticipate and his professional-level accuracy. Oftentimes, the college guys have a ways to go in those areas. When we talked about a high floor it’s usually because they’re pro ready in those areas and he was.

“We also had the proximity angle and a bird’s eye view of his growth and development. He does the things that come with the quarterback position in a very natural way whether it’s dealing with and leading his teammates or talking to the media. None of that appears to be a chore for him.”

Kenny Pickett and Mike Tomlin got to know each other in passing over the course of four years while the young quarterback was with the Panthers. That comfortability was a big reason why the Steelers are taking a chance on Pickett for the future of the franchise, and why he knows what it takes to win.