Kenny Pickett’s farewell message to Pittsburgh appears to be missing one critical piece.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the 25-year-old quarterback reflected on his football career in Pittsburgh, which included his collegiate days at the University of Pittsburgh, without mention of the Steelers, who traded him to the Eagles on Friday after just two seasons.
“Thank you, Pittsburgh! I came to this city 7 years ago and my life changed forever. Grateful for all of the amazing people I was fortunate enough to cross paths with, and for all of those who supported me along the way. I made life-long friendships and relationships that I will always cherish,” Pickett wrote alongside a photo of himself on Steelers game day.
“Now, I am honored and excited for the next opportunity in my career – being able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Birds!!”
Pickett, a New Jersey native, played for the Panthers from 2017-21.
He was then selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft (20th overall) and appeared in 25 games for the team, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions through two seasons.
The Steelers moved Pickett just days after the team agreed to a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Pickett’s “apparent unhappiness with the arrival of Russell Wilson” contributed to the move, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Friday.
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When pressed about the matter Monday at his introductory Eagles press conference, Pickett said, “I handled it the way I should’ve handled it.”
“I think the communication is what it is. It was behind closed doors. I’m confident in the way I handled it,” Pickett said, according to Pro Football Talk.
“I’m excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in.”
Pickett will now back up Philadelphia’s starter, Jalen Hurts.
Much like the Eagles, the Steelers also kept busy this weekend by adding another quarterback, acquiring Justin Fields from the Bears on Saturday.
Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is expected to be Wilson’s understudy.