With veteran quarterback Geno Smith expected to miss time, this means it gives former Steelers draft pick, Kenny Pickett, a chance to audition for a new role for the 2026 season. According to reports, the Raiders are leaning towards starting Pickett since Smith is dealing with a shoulder injury. In their Week 14 loss, Pickett came in late during the contest, recording 97 yards and one touchdown on eight out of 11 passes. Originally selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Pittsburgh product has been a journeyman since requesting a trade out of the Steelers.
Former Steelers First-Round Bust Kenny Pickett Could Audition for New Role – Possible 2026 Destinations
Still, the quarterback finished with over 2,000 passing yards, but had the lowest touchdown percentage; since the offense didn’t serve him, the Steelers traded him to the Eagles. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much playing time, but it was enough to win a Super Bowl in February, filling in for Jalen Hurts in situational moments when he was hurt. Pickett is still an adequate starter, and the upcoming game against Philadelphia is considered a “revenge” matchup, but it’s a chance for him to receive interest from teams that are going to look for their next quarterback during the offseason.
This might be Pickett’s chance to earn a starting role, as he will become a free agent in March. Smith hasn’t done anything exciting for the Raiders, so unless Las Vegas extends Pickett, the former Steeler could be an intriguing option. Despite recording just 16 career touchdowns to 14 interceptions, if he wins out the rest of the year, he should get attention from these three teams.
Potential Fits
New Orleans Saints
Even though Tyler Shough is showing signs of life, the New Orleans Saints still plan to find their next franchise quarterback. It’s been a struggle for General Manager Mickey Loomis and the organization to find an adequate starter since the Drew Brees era, so they’re finally swallowing their pride and embracing the build. The Saints have enough talent between Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and DeVaughn Vele to help stabilize the next starter. This isn’t to say that it’ll be easy shoes to fill, but Pickett has the arm and experience with several teams to find a home where he can start again.
Head coach Kellen Moore will only thrive in football when he has a leader, as he did in Dallas a couple of years ago with Dak Prescott. They might find something in Pickett and get him a part of the quarterback competition with Spencer Rattler and Shough.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the Chiefs won’t replace Patrick Mahomes anytime soon, as it’s been a weird season for them this year. However, it shouldn’t stop them from finding some depth. Kansas City is still a perfect place to learn the game that could serve Pickett well for a season with Gardner Minshew. It could benefit Pickett to go up against Minshew to win a starting job elsewhere after the preseason if the Chiefs sign him.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ acquisition of a quarterback in free agency will be dependent on how much they trust Daniel Jones. Despite suffering a season-ending injury, the team is still open to bringing him back, but it might be too risky for the organization, which wants to win now. With the shocking arrival of Philip Rivers, the Colts may stick with him for one more season to slowly develop whoever will step up. Pickett might be the right person for the job once Rivers retires, if he lasts that long in the league.
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