Kenny Pickett discusses his relationship with other Steelers quarterbacks

It was an up and down rookie season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have their franchise signal caller in Kenny Pickett.

While rookie quarterbacks aren’t always welcomed in the NFL by veteran signal callers — they are taking jobs away, after all — Pickett had a great relationship with the other throwers on the Steelers. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, last year’s first round selection explained how he got along with fellow Pittsburgh quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.

“We got along really well,” revealed the former Pittsburgh star. “Our bond just got stronger as the year went. I couldn’t ask — two guys that really just, week-in and week-out — every time I came off the field, Mitch would have something. Mason would have something. We’d communicate on how we should attack the next series.

“So those two guys, I’m really grateful for how they treated me and brought me into this team.”

Alas, it’s evident the two veterans had a positive impact on Pickett throughout the season, as the rookie grew and improved by leaps and bounds over the season. The Steelers finished 2022 strong, and look poised for a return to the post-season next year.

Regardless of what the future holds for Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, they can take solace in the fact that they’ve helped mold the future of Kenny Pickett and the Steelers.

Kenny Pickett says he would love to reunite with Jordan Addison in NFL

Kenny Pickett needs help in Pittsburgh, plain and simple. Who would better to pick up in the NFL Draft this April than Jordan Addison – a former Pitt Panther, teammate of Pickett and Biletnikoff Award winner?

Pickett discussed the prospect of having the Steelers draft the star USC Trojans wideout and what sets him apart from the rest of the wide receivers in the 2023 draft. 

“I would love it. I just talked to his mother yesterday. He’s down in Florida training, so I’m excited to get down there and train a little bit with him, too,” Pickett said on the Pat McAfee show Thursday. “He’s a talented guy, he’s one of the best I’ve been around. He’s just an all-around receiver, route runner – his speed will surprise people. I don’t think many people give him enough credit for the speed, so I’m excited to see where he ends up. Hopefully, it’s in the black and gold.”

In three seasons at Pitt and USC, Addison caught 219 passes for 3,134 yards and 29 touchdowns. During his Biletnikoff season in 2021, he caught 100 passes – mostly thrown by Pickett – for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. No matter who ends up taking Addison, he’s expected to put up the same type of production in the pros.

Addison currently ranks No. 14 overall in Todd McShay’s draft board. With the Steelers entering the draft with the No. 17 pick, they’re going to have to hope a player of Addison’s talent can slide far enough for Pittsburgh to steal him away. 

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri at the plaza just outside of Union Station. The first round of the draft is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on April 27.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.