Former Steelers Quarterback Kenny Pickett Facing Criticism for Contributing to NFL’s Ongoing Quarterback Crisis
December 7, 2024 – Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is facing mounting scrutiny as he is being partly blamed for exacerbating one of the NFL’s most pressing issues: the league’s ongoing quarterback crisis. While Pickett’s tenure with the Steelers was relatively brief, recent analyses suggest his underperformance may be indicative of deeper systemic problems within the NFL, from the development of young quarterbacks to the pressures placed on rookies entering the league.
Pickett, who was drafted by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, was expected to be a key figure in Pittsburgh’s future at quarterback. However, his struggles with consistency, coupled with a lack of significant development during his first two seasons, have raised concerns about the league’s ability to nurture young quarterback talent. Many argue that the NFL’s emphasis on immediate success, especially for first-round quarterbacks, is a factor contributing to their early failures.
Critics point to Pickett’s early career struggles as a case study for the growing trend of quarterbacks underperforming in their first few years. The increasing pressure on rookies to deliver from day one, paired with insufficient mentorship and an overreliance on offensive coordinators who fail to adjust to their individual needs, has placed quarterbacks like Pickett at a disadvantage.
One of the key reasons why Pickett is being held responsible for the league’s broader quarterback issues is his position as a poster child for the struggles of younger quarterbacks. Despite being heralded as a local hero at the University of Pittsburgh, Pickett has been unable to elevate the Steelers’ offense in the way many had hoped. His inability to consistently execute basic throws and lead his team in key situations has drawn sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike.
NFL experts have pointed out that the rise of turnover-prone, inexperienced quarterbacks, coupled with a decline in the traditional “quarterback development” system in many franchises, has hurt the overall quality of play at the position. As teams rush to start rookies and rely on unproven players, the overall stability at the quarterback position across the league has suffered.
Although Pickett’s case is only one piece of the puzzle, many are now pointing to him as an example of why the NFL must rethink its approach to quarterback development. With several teams now experiencing similar challenges with their own young quarterbacks, the league is under increased pressure to find solutions that will help stabilize the most crucial position on the field.
Pickett, for his part, has remained focused on improving his game and proving his critics wrong, but the broader conversation about how to fix the NFL’s quarterback woes is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
