Pitt's Pat Narduzzi Reacts to Kenny Pickett Trade
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made a massive pivot this offseason, reshaping their quarterback room by signing free agent Russell Wilson and swapping out former Pitt Panther Kenny Pickett for Justin Fields via two separate trades.
As his college coach, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi is, obviously, close with Pickett, who is now a Philadelphia Eagle. Narduzzi said he's glad both sides moved on and will give each other a fresh start.
"Hey, it's a business. It's business for everyone. Business for the Steelers, business for Kenny and business as usual," Narduzzi said. "I usually don't pay attention to all the stuff going on," Narduzzi said. "It's part of business. I'm happy for Kenny and the Steelers. I think things happen for a reason."
The decision to trade Pickett is surrounded by controversy and competing reports added color to the surprising transaction.
Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette initially reported that Pickett, who was declared the "QB1" by head coach Mike Tomlin at seasons' end, did not take the news that the Steelers had signed Wilson well and asked out of the organization. He also cited a report - one that Pickett and Dejan refuted - that he refused to dress as the emergency third quarterback in Week 17 while recovering from an ankle injury to backup what the Steelers believed were behavioral issues for Pickett.
Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports later reported that Pickett's preference to leave Pittsburgh was not because he didn't want to compete for a starting job with Wilson, but that he was told Wilson would be cemented as the starter. She said Pickett had been told that, after two seasons with Matt Canada as his offensive coordinator, he would have a chance to prove what he can do with a new play-caller. The addition of Wilson changed that for the Steelers and Pickett as well.
In any event, Narduzzi is glad that Pickett gets a chance to start over and reinvent his career closer to his hometown of Ocean Township, New Jersey. Narduzzi keeps in touch with Pickett and said his former quarterback is in high spirits after the move across the commonwealth.
"First thing I think about Kenny is him being back home. Now his mom and dad can drive just two hours from New Jersey [to see him]," Narduzzi said. "I did talk to him. He's doing great."
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