How Bill Hillgrove Feels About Kenny Pickett As The Steelers' Long-Term QB
During a fresh episode of Ike Taylor and Mark Bergin's Pittsburgh Steelers pod Bleav In Steelers, longtime lead play-by-play commentator Bill Hillgrove spoke at length about his extended run in sports media, before diving in to the real nitty gritty: is current starting quarterback Kenny Pickett going to be able to return the storied franchise back to the promised land?
Pickett, 25, is expected to remain as the club's QB1 this fall. The team could bring back his primary backup, Mason Rudolph, this offseason, or it could opt to sign one of the top free agent vets on the open market, like Gardner Minshew, Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, and Joe Flacco.
As Hillgrove noted during the pod, it seems unlikely that the Steelers will look to move on from Pickett entirely this offseason by trying to sign ex-Denver Broncos play caller Russell Wilson or trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
"So we've been blessed with great centers, so let's concentrate on that for the number one pick," Hillgrove said. "I never believed that Justin Fields talk or the Russell Wilson talk. It's not a good fit. And so apparently that did get quieted down. And I think what they'll do is they'll bring in a better quarterback to give competition to Kenny. And believe me, I watched Kenny at Pitt for five years. He knows how to win. He's just been a victim of some very challenging circumstances. And I think now with Arthur Smith in charge, Arthur, from what I understand, adapts to the personnel, correct? ...And he's not a hot shot that has to do it his way."
A 6'3", 220-pound pro, Pickett was selected with the No. 20 pick out of the University of Pittsburgh in 2022. IN 2023, he notched an 81.4 passer rating, completing 201-of-324 pass attempts for a total of 2,070 yards and six touchdowns (against four interceptions).
Check out Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation resource for all things Pittsburgh Steelers, All Steelers.
