Eagles Make Stunning Trade for Former First-Round Quarterback

The Philadelphia Eagles entered NFL free agency this week with a void to fill at the backup quarterback spot as veteran Marcus Mariota signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders.

One report connected the Eagles to former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick as a potential backup to star quarterback Jalen Hurts. However, the Eagles apparently wanted to take a chance on a former first-round pick to be the backup behind Hurts.

On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles are acquiring Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Schefter adds that once the Steelers signed Russell Wilson – Pickett wanted to move on.

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones also reported that the Eagles are sending a 2024 third-round pick to the Steelers for a 2024 fourth-round pick and two seventh-round picks.

It’s rather surprising to see Philly swap picks for a quarterback such as Pickett, who wrapped up his second season in the Steel City. The former first-round pick has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions to start his NFL career.

Pickett is coming off a disappointing 2023 season that saw him complete 62 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. 

The 25-year-old quarterback didn’t finish the regular season as he dealt with an ankle injury. However, even when Pickett got healthy, the Steelers stuck with Mason Rudolph, who got them into the playoffs.

Nevertheless, Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in New Jersey, will get a chance to back up Hurts and improve his quarterback skills under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

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