May 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) participates in workouts during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClair-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers have no plans to release Kenny Pickett this offseason, but that doesn't mean the quarterback will be guaranteed a starting role.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was asked Thursday about Pickett's future with the team. Tomlin praised Beckett and said he remains “very confident” in the former first-round pick. However, Tomlin made it clear that Pickett will have to compete for the starting job.
“He'll be back, but obviously there's going to be competition. There's always competition in this thing,” Tomlin said. “We're not painting anyone. Man, I appreciate his efforts and where he is at and excited to continue working with him. But he will certainly face a challenge from a competition perspective in the future. Competition brings out the best in all of us.”
Will Kenny Pickett be your starter next year? #Steelers Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/19JVkjzdN5
– 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 18, 2024
Mason Rudolph played well enough late in the year to surpass Pickett as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback. Rudolph started in the Steelers' loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the playoffs on Sunday. He is set to become a free agent, but Tomlin said he is hopeful the veteran will return.
Even after Rudolph took over as the Steelers' starter, the team seemed to make an effort to protect Pickett's feelings. Tomlin and company clearly haven't given up on Pickett as their quarterback of the future, but the 25-year-old hasn't played well enough to get anything going.
