After barely making the 2023 NFL playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to shake up their offense in a major way.
Not only did the Steelers sign Russell Wilson in free agency, they also made a surprising deal to acquire Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears.
Prior to the trade for Fields, Pittsburgh made another trade where they shipped out former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Trading Pickett was a shock because he was expected to compete with Wilson for the starting role, but he was reportedly not happy with the veteran’s arrival.
While Pickett gets to return home to Philly, his exit left a sour taste in some Steelers fans and former players’ mouths.
For example, former Pittsburgh running back Merril Hoge was disappointed that Pickett didn’t want to stay with the franchise, via Steelers Depot on Twitter.
“When you look at the quarterback situation, I really like Kenny Pickett. I was disappointed he didn’t want to compete. That one surprised me,” Hoge said.
Merril Hoge is disappointed in Kenny Pickett for not wanting to compete, via the Mic Drop Sports Podcast. “When you look at the quarterback situation, I really like Kenny Pickett. I was disappointed he didn’t want to compete. That one surprised me." #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/8MPXK4Zl4t
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 7, 2024
It’s understandable why Hoge wouldn’t be very happy with Pickett wanting out because the Steelers are one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL and players should be honored to don the black and gold uniforms.
