Kenny Pickett’s tenure as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers has raised questions about organizational support and player development. After being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett spent two seasons with the Steelers, achieving a record of 14-10 as a starter. Over 25 games, he amassed 4,474 passing yards, throwing 13 touchdown passes against 13 interceptions. Despite these statistics, former Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw criticized the Steelers for failing to surround Pickett with adequate resources to succeed. As the franchise prepares for a transition to a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season, Bradshaw’s comments highlight the perception that Pickett was let go too prematurely without a supportive structure to facilitate his growth.
In a recent podcast interview, Bradshaw expressed his disapproval of the Steelers’ approach to young quarterbacks, particularly pointing out the lack of investment in the roster to support Pickett. He emphasized that successful rookie quarterbacks often flourish when they have a solid team around them, citing the cases of Baker Mayfield with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Sam Darnold with the Minnesota Vikings as examples. Bradshaw criticized the Steelers for not building the necessary foundation around Pickett, which he believes contributed to the team’s struggles during his time as a starter. He expressed concern that Pittsburgh’s management did not provide Pickett with the essential tools to perform, such as a competent offensive line and reliable receivers.
The Steelers’ performance over the past two seasons also reflects the challenges faced by Pickett during his time as starter. The team failed to make the playoffs in 2022 but managed a postseason appearance in 2023. However, standout performances from players like George Pickens, who had over 1,000 receiving yards, and running back Najee Harris, who rushed for 1,035 yards, overshadowed the ongoing issues within the team’s offense. These mixed outcomes set the stage for Pickett to part ways with the Steelers before the 2024 season, leading to his transition to the Philadelphia Eagles as a backup to Jalen Hurts, where he played a role in the team’s Super Bowl run.
Bradshaw’s criticism of the Steelers did not cease following their acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. He deemed the move as absurd and reiterated his faith in Pickett as a player worth investing in. Reflecting on Pickett’s college career at the University of Pittsburgh, he lamented that the Steelers did not prioritize player protection and offensive support during his reign. The criticism extended to the overall management decisions that led to Pickett being placed in a challenging situation without an adequate offensive scheme or the necessary protection from the offensive line.
The narrative around Pickett raises broader questions about how NFL franchises structure their teams to maximize the potential of first-round quarterbacks. Bradshaw’s commentary resonates with ongoing discourse within football circles regarding the importance of surrounding rookie quarterbacks with suitable talent and systems. As teams navigate scouting, drafting, and developing young players, Bradshaw’s insights serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of organizational cohesiveness in supporting emerging talents, particularly at the quarterback position.
As the Steelers look toward the future with Aaron Rodgers, the lingering questions about their handling of Kenny Pickett could influence their decisions regarding player development and roster construction. The mixed reviews of Pickett’s performance, alongside Bradshaw’s critiques, suggest that organizational philosophy plays a crucial role in determining a quarterback’s success. For the Steelers, the challenge remains to learn from past lessons and ensure that their next quarterback enjoys a more supportive and structured environment in order to thrive at the professional level.
