The quest for the next Pittsburgh Steelers‘ franchise quarterback is underway.
The franchise signed Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year deal after spending one season as Josh Allen’s backup with the Buffalo Bills.
Then, the team selected former Pittsburgh Panthers standout Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He was the only quarterback selected in round one and that should set high expectations for him.
It took a while before Pickett and the Steelers came to terms with his contract.
Finally, the stalemate is over.
And the Pittsburgh Steelers now have signed their first-round pick Kenny Pickett, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 23, 2022
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “And the Pittsburgh Steelers now have signed their first-round pick Kenny Pickett, per source.”
His signing means that all 32 first-round picks have agreed to their respective deals.
Pickett is also the last Steelers draftee to sign his rookie deal.
While the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Spotrac estimates the contract to be around $14 million with a $7.4 million signing bonus.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe argued that the delay was due to the structure of Pickett’s contract.
Pickett’s camp might have wanted a larger bonus and minimal base salaries to get more money upon signing.
But with the deal finally done, Pickett is expected to compete for the starting role with Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.
Steelers Hoping That Pickett Can Carry Over His Game From College
Aside from playing in their backyard, Pickett had a strong farewell season with the Panthers.
In 13 games, he threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Those numbers helped him win the ACC Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Pickett was also a First-Team All-American last season.
He ended his collegiate career as the Panthers’ all-time leader in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns.
Therefore, it isn’t hard to see why the Steelers took him in the first round.
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