Steelers trade quarterback Kenny Pickett to Eagles, paving way for Russell Wilson’s departure, reports say

The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially clearing the way for Russell Wilson.

The team is trading former starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade of picks, according to multiple reports. The Steelers will receive a third-round pick this year as well as two seventh-round picks in 2025, while the Eagles will get Pickett and a fourth-round selection this year.

The move comes just five days after Wilson agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum (around $1.2 million) to join the Steelers. The Denver Broncos must pay the remainder of the $39 million he is owed for the 2024 season after officially cutting him this week, ending a tumultuous two-year stretch and incurring a record $85 million in cap space dead.

Pickett, 25, was the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick (20th overall) out of Pitt. He started the last two seasons, but struggled to pilot an offense ranked 28th in scoring (17.9 points per game). Pickett was sidelined late in the season with an ankle injury, and the team kept him on the bench down the stretch and into the playoffs, opting instead to s ‘stick to the warm hand of Mason Rudolph.

Pittsburgh hired former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith this offseason to lead the unit.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan supported Pickett earlier this offseason before signing Wilson.

“I have full confidence in Kenny Pickett,” Khan said at the NFL scouting combine. “Obviously there have been some issues with the offense, and I’m excited about the impact that Arthur Smith is going to have on him. I know Arthur is very optimistic about Kenny, and I know that ‘They communicated. And we’ll see where it goes. We feel really good about him.

In Philadelphia, Pickett — who grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, and was an Eagles fan — will serve as Jalen Hurts’ backup. Marcus Mariota, who held this position last season, has signed with the Washington Commanders.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kenny Pickett trade: Steelers deal Eagles QB with Russell Wilson in