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Terry Bradshaw Critiques Pittsburgh Steelers for Lack of Support for Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett’s tenure as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers has come to an abrupt end after just two seasons. The former first-round pick, drafted in 2022, ended his time with the Steelers holding a 14-10 record as a starter, amassing a total of 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes, and 13 interceptions across 25 games.
In a recent discussion, Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw voiced his concerns regarding the Steelers’ management of Pickett and their inability to create a supportive environment. With the organization currently poised to transition to a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season, Bradshaw expressed his disappointment in a recent episode of the “To The Point Home Services Podcast.”
“Steelers getting rid of Kenny Pickett,” Bradshaw stated emphatically during the Q&A session. “A first-rounder, got rid of him after two years. And they’re still looking for a quarterback. They didn’t even do anything to build around him.”
Understanding the Need for a Strong Roster
Bradshaw further elaborated on his belief that first-round quarterbacks often achieve success, provided that a solid roster surrounds them. He drew comparisons to other quarterbacks, noting Baker Mayfield’s performance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Sam Darnold’s effectiveness with the Minnesota Vikings prior to joining the Seattle Seahawks. Both players found success when placed in environments that fostered their abilities.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Recent Performance
The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced challenges, notably missing the playoffs in 2022 but rebounding to secure a spot in 2023. Emerging star George Pickens registered as a 1,000-yard receiver, and Najee Harris contributed effectively with 1,035 rushing yards. However, despite this potential, the Steelers and Pickett parted ways before the 2024 season began.
After leaving Pittsburgh, Pickett found himself backing up Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was part of the roster when the Eagles clinched the Super Bowl title. Subsequently, he signed with the Cleveland Browns this offseason, entering a competitive environment in pursuit of the starting quarterback role.
Bradshaw’s Discontent with Steelers Management
Earlier this year, Bradshaw did not hold back in his criticism of the Steelers after they pursued Aaron Rodgers. He labeled the pursuit as a “joke,” indicating his discontent with how the franchise has handled their quarterback situation in recent years.
“I liked Kenny Pickett. I liked him at Pitt. I know him, I know what he’s like,” Bradshaw reflected. “And when they got him to Pittsburgh, here’s what they didn’t do. They didn’t protect him; they didn’t get him an offensive line. They wanted to run the football, but they didn’t have an offensive line that could protect, and they didn’t have weapons. He had no wide receivers to speak of.”
Analyzing the Lack of Support for Pickett
Bradshaw continued his analysis, asserting that the Steelers placed Pickett in a difficult position. They introduced a young quarterback without the necessary resources to support his development. “Then they throw a kid in there for two years, and you’ve got an offense that doesn’t fit and doesn’t work,” he explained. “They can’t run because their offensive line’s not even good enough for a run-blocking team. And therefore they say Pickett was a failure. He wasn’t a failure; the Steelers were a failure.”
The Future of Pittsburgh Steelers and Kenny Pickett
As both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kenny Pickett move forward, questions linger about their respective futures. The Steelers face an important decision-making period as they seek to establish a robust roster capable of competing at the highest level. Meanwhile, Pickett aims to prove his worth with the Cleveland Browns, determined to showcase his abilities as a starting quarterback.
Ultimately, the handling of Pickett by the Steelers has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of proper support for young quarterbacks. As the NFL landscape evolves, franchises must recognize the vital role of a well-rounded team in quarterback development.
With the stakes high, all eyes will be on both Pickett and the Steelers as they embark on their new chapters. Whether they find success will depend not only on individual talent but also on effective management and organizational commitment.
