The Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson trades were not just moves to improve the roster’s long-term outlook but allegedly to get rid of a pair of “malcontents.”
Over the first week of the 2024 offseason, the Steelers have been very busy. The organization made one of the first big splashes when they signed Seattle Seahawks great Russell Wilson. Plus, they also landed talented linebacker Patrick Queen from division rivals the Baltimore Ravens. However, they also made some notable roster subtractions as well.
- Kenny Pickett trade return: Steelers got a third-round draft pick (2024), two seventh-round draft picks (2025)
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers insider reveals alarming red flags that led to quick Kenny Pickett trade
Earlier in the week, they decided it was time to move on from one-time Pro Bowler Diontate Johnson and shipped him off to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson and a sixth-routh draft pick. They then followed that up with a surprise move when they traded former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to in-state rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.
Both seemed like expendable parts of the roster after down years in 2023 and according to The Athletic Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly they were also necessary moves to try and fix the damaged locker room culture.
“Malcontents have been replaced by people who want to be part of the team. If you don’t want to be part of the Pittsburgh Steelers, then goodbye,” Kaboly wrote. “This has happened at many levels of the organization since the end of the 2023 season.
- Kenny Pickett stats (2023): 12 games, 2,070 passing yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs, 81.4 rating
Also Read: NFL mock draft 2024: Projecting who Pittsburgh Steelers will take in April
“Kenny Pickett’s sudden trade to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, two weeks after the GM threw his full support toward Pickett and only minutes after Russell Wilson’s introductory news conference — where he comported himself like the ultimate leader and team-first guy — was a perfect juxtaposition of where the Steelers organization was and is going.”
On Friday it was reported that Pickett did not receive the Wilson news well last week. This was one of several issues he had with management over the last year. He also refused to suit up in Week 17 when he learned he would be the team’s No. 3 QB to finish the season.
