Steelers 'Still Spooked' From Kenny Pickett Debacle

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a swing on Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett in the 2022 NFL Draft. They drafted Pickett 20th overall with high hopes he could be the answer at quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. But after just two rocky seasons, Pickett forced his way out of Pittsburgh, reportedly unhappy with the team’s decision to bring in Russell Wilson and unwilling to compete for the starting job.

The Steelers quickly shipped Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in a big offseason move, and after a short stint there, he was traded once again—this time to the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The Pickett era in Pittsburgh ended almost as quickly as it began, leaving behind more questions than answers. For a team that prides itself on stability, the quarterback carousel has become a lingering headache for Head Coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan.

On Friday, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac joined The Rich Eisen Show and shed light on how much that Pickett misfire still haunts the franchise. While discussing the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and the ever-evolving Aaron Rodgers saga, Dulac noted that the Steelers remain cautious when evaluating quarterbacks. He suggested that the ghost of the Pickett decision is still influencing how the front office builds its draft board—and it’s clear the scars from that gamble haven’t fully healed.

"They are not going into the draft with the idea of, 'We need to get ourselves a quarterback in the first round,'" Dulac said Friday on The Rich Eisen Show. "And I do think, to a degree, they're still spooked by the whole Kenny Pickett evaluation. They took what was the best quarterback of what was a very average draft class, and I don't think they want to make that mistake again."

The correlation here is that the 2025 NFL Draft class at quarterback, like the 2022 class, is considered relatively weak. However, when comparing the two, the 2025 class appears to offer more depth and a wider range of options. Still, the overall sentiment remains eerily similar to that of 2022. And despite all the changes the Steelers have made, they head into the 2025 season in the exact same position—uncertain at quarterback. That’s why it wouldn’t be shocking if Pittsburgh decides to take another swing earlier than expected in this upcoming draft.

The key factor to watch is how the quarterback run unfolds. The Steelers, who currently sit at pick No. 21, have been linked heavily to a defensive lineman. But if someone like Shedeur Sanders starts to slide—as some believe could happen—or even Jaxson Dart remains available, the dynamic could shift. There’s speculation that Tomlin is especially high on Sanders and might be willing to take him at that spot. Dart is more of a wild card, but both quarterbacks are reportedly on Pittsburgh’s radar if the value is right.

Of course, not having a second-round pick complicates everything. The Steelers will either have to reach for a quarterback at 21 or hope they can find value later in the draft. Someone like Will Howard or Tyler Shough could be in play if they fall to the right range. Ultimately, how the quarterback market plays out on draft night will play a massive role in shaping Pittsburgh’s future at the position.

Steelers Looking To The 2026 NFL Draft For QB

Dulac made it clear he believes the Steelers are seriously considering waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft to find their quarterback of the future. That class is expected to be much stronger—and carries extra significance since the 2026 draft will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time ever. 

Whether or not the Steelers take a swing in 2025, Dulac believes the real move could come one year later, in front of their home crowd, when they finally lock in their guy to lead the franchise forward. Either way, the 2025 NFL Draft is set to be super captivating for Steeler Nation.