Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Instant analysis of Eagles trading NFL draft picks to Steelers for QB Kenny Pickett

The Eagles are all about quarterback development, and with the club looking for efficiency behind Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia has acquired Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh for draft picks.

The Steelers’ No. 20 overall pick out of Pitt, Pickett now heads to the Eagles, where he’ll backup Jalen Hurts.

With the move set to be official, here’s an instant analysis of the trade.

Compensation

Philadelphia received a third-round compensatory pick for losing Javon Hargrave, that was included in the package of 2025 late round picks.

The Eagles get QB Kenny Pickett and the Steelers original 4th round pick (120 overall) in 2024.
The Steelers get Eagles 3rd round comp pick (98 overall) and the Eagles highest two 7th round draft picks in 2025.

Jalen Hurts isn't bothered

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 30: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet at mid-field after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

This move will immediately illicit hot takes about a quarterback battle, or this trade will harm Hurts’ psyche. That’s a moot point, and Pickett’s arrival will be a non-factor for QB1.

According to Joel Corry, via Over The Cap, the Eagles’ 10-day window to pick up an option on quarterback Jalen Hurts’ dummy 2029 contract year opens up. The team will make a $38.875 million payment that reduces the star quarterback’s 2024 base salary from a fully guaranteed $40 million to a fully guaranteed $1.125 million with the option being exercised.

Additionally, $16.5 million more of Hurts’ 2025 base salary is fully guaranteed.

His entire $51 million 2025 base salary was guaranteed for injury at signing, while $3.696 million of this $51 million was fully guaranteed at signing, meaning he’s here to stay.

Homecoming of sorts

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Pickett is from Ocean Township (N.J.) High School, and backed out of a verbal committment to Temple before heading to Western Pennsylvania. He’ll now return home.

Pickett brings experience

Kenny Pickett (8) of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws downfield during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 16, 2022.Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 6

Tanner McKee had a nice training camp last season and he’s got talent, but if the season started today and Hurts suffered an injury, the signal-caller would have no prior NFL game experience.

That’ll change with Pickett’s arrival.

He’s started 24 games in his first two seasons and the Steelers — going 7-5 under center in both of those years. He’s completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during his career.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.