Kenny Pickett on move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia: 'Change is a great thing'

Kenny Pickett experienced a lot of change this offseason, going from starting quarterback in Pittsburgh to a backup in Philadelphia. Moving across Pennsylvania has given the 26-year-old signal-caller perspective.

Pickett, while speaking at the Champion Mindset Symposium at Shore Regional High School in New Jersey this week, expressed that the change has been positive.

“Change is a great thing,” Pickett said, via Ben Istvan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’m going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I’m over in Philadelphia. … I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that’s really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it’ll all work out for the better.”

The Steelers selected Pickett in the first round of the 2022 draft, following his five-year stint at the University of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, remaining in Pittsburgh didn’t prove successful for Pickett. In Pittsburgh’s offensive system, he faced difficulties in development, managing to throw 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 25 career games.

While he spearheaded several comebacks, those moments were too few and far between for a starting quarterback on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. After an injury took him out of action last season, Pickett didn’t get his starting gig back even when he returned healthy, with head coach Mike Tomlin electing to ride with Mason Rudolph for the postseason run.

This offseason, the Steelers added Russell Wilson, a move that Pickett reportedly didn’t react to very well — the QB previously dismissed those reports — and he was shipped to Philly. This week, he said he doesn’t fret over those who doubt his willingness to compete.

“The world is not short of skeptics,” stated Pickett. “A considerable number of people, especially in the media and fan bases, harbor doubts. However, for coaches and family members who believe in you, if you adjust your mindset to validate their belief in you, your mental state will be more affirmative,” he continued.

That’s pretty much the only mindset Pickett can take as he attempts to rebuild his NFL career. He’ll enter training camp set to compete with Tanner McKee, last year’s preseason darling in Philadelphia, and Will Grier for the right to back up Jalen Hurts.