Overview
- Kevin Colbert defended the decision to draft Kenny Pickett during a radio interview on Saturday, saying the team projected a “start-and-win” quarterback and that Pickett “lived up to that” with a 14–10 record in his first two seasons.
- Statistical coverage across outlets notes Pickett threw 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 24 starts for Pittsburgh, finished near the bottom in EPA among his peers, and posted the lowest touchdown percentage among qualifying NFL passers.
- Colbert retired before the Steelers traded Pickett; the quarterback spent 2024 in Philadelphia, moved through trades involving Cleveland and Las Vegas in 2025, and is listed in 2026 as a backup behind Bryce Young with the Carolina Panthers.
- The Steelers have continued to search for a long-term answer at quarterback, rotating veteran signings and developmental prospects while owner Art Rooney II resists a formal rebuild that would likely yield a high draft pick.
- Colbert’s defense reframes the pick as one that met short-term winning goals but leaves a clear question about Pickett’s long-term development and the franchise’s constrained routes to landing a true franchise quarterback.