Mike Tomlin explains Steelers' decision to move on from Kenny Pickett

Following the signing of quarterback Russell Wilson in free agency earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Steelers sent Pickett and pick No. 120 in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Eagles in exchange for pick No. 98 and two 2025 seventh-round picks. Tomlin, speaking at the NFL Owners Meetings at the Grande Lakes Orlando Resort on Sunday, explained Pittsburgh’s reasoning for trading Pickett. He declined to get into the speculation that Pickett’s attitude and response to the Steelers’ acquisition of Wilson played a role in the decision to part ways.

“I just think it was, from his perspective, he felt like a change of scenery would be a good thing,” Tomlin said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “Obviously, when we felt the trajectory of the business with Chicago was moving in the right direction, those dominoes started falling. I won’t get into specifics about our conversations. But I am appreciative of his time in Pittsburgh, and I wish him nothing but the absolute best in Philadelphia.”

Tomlin added: “Again, I’m not getting into specifics about what transpired, who said what, who did what. Really, it’s water under the bridge at this point. I’m excited about the guys we have in this room. And I know he’s excited about his new start and his fresh start in Philadelphia.”

Kenny Pickett pushes back on reports claiming he handled Steelers exit poorly

Following the announcement of the trade, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Steelers made the decision to move on from Pickett due to his poor handling of the arrival of Russell Wilson. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated added that Pickett initially communicated to the Steelers he was fine competing with Wilson for the starting job but went the other way when the team signed Wilson in free agency earlier in the week.

Pickett, speaking with the Philadelphia media on Monday, refuted the reports that he handled Wilson’s arrival to Pittsburgh poorly.

“I think the communication is what it is. It was behind closed doors. I’m confident in the way that I handled it. I handled it the way I should have handled it,” Pickett said, via ESPN. “I’m excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in. Everything happens for a reason and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”

Pickett, who grew up an Eagles fan, said a breakup between he and the Steelers “was time.”

“I just thought it was time,” Pickett said. “… I wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career. The fact that it is in Philly. The place that I grew up, found the love for the game here, with a great coaching staff, great players… I think it’s an awesome opportunity to join this team.”