Steelers GM has ‘full faith’ in Kenny Pickett after struggles

Indianapolis — Despite quarterback Kenny Pickett’s rough sophomore season, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan remains confident in the 2022 first-round pick.

“I have full faith in Kenny,” Khan stated at the NFL scouting combine on Thursday. “He’s shown us some nice things, but there were clearly some concerns with the offence.

“I’m excited about the impact [new offensive coordinator] Arthur Smith will have on him.” Arthur is extremely positive about Kenny, and they communicated. As I have stated, we will have some tough competition there, and we’ll see where it goes. I feel pretty pleased about him.”

Last season, Pickett was limited to 12 games due to an ankle injury in Week 13 that required TightRope surgery. He finished with six touchdowns and four interceptions, and his QBR dropped from 53.6 to 38.1. Despite being medically cleared to return before Week 17, the Steelers remained with Mason Rudolph for the final two regular-season games and the wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Steelers won their final three games with Rudolph to make the playoffs, scoring 34 and 30 points in back-to-back games — the Steelers’ only 30-point games last season.

With Rudolph ready to reach free agency and Mitch Trubisky released, Pickett is the only Steelers quarterback still under contract. However, Khan, echoing coach Mike Tomlin’s goal to provide competition for Pickett, stated that he expects to have three quarterbacks in the room by the start of the season under Smith.

“We have some work to do,” Khan explained. “Competition improves us all, regardless of position. I believe that is just life, regardless of what you do.”

That competition might come from Rudolph, whom Khan has stated a wish to bring back. We’ve communicated with his representative,” Khan said, “and he understands we want him back.