In what appeared to be a heartfelt compliment toward his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, new Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett may have subtly thrown shade at his previous employer, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Pickett expressed gratitude for his time in Philadelphia, stating, “I’m extremely grateful for my time in Philly. I think I was shown how it was supposed to be done from the top down, really. So when you get a chance to see what winning’s supposed to look like and how it should look on a day-to-day basis, not just on Sundays, I think it will pay dividends for me in the future.”
Browns QB Kenny Pickett said year with Eagles showed him how things are supposed to be done. pic.twitter.com/1EoSMPR8UX
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) May 28, 2025
While Pickett’s words seem to praise the Eagles’ organization, they could also be interpreted as a critique of his experience with the Steelers, where he played from 2022 to 2024. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Pickett threw for 4,474 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the team to a respectable 14-10 record in his starts. However, the Steelers failed to secure a playoff victory, a drought that has persisted since 2016. The front office’s decision to sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract in March 2024 signaled a lack of confidence in Pickett, effectively relegating the former Pitt star to the bench. Shortly after, he was traded to Philadelphia.
It’s understandable if Pickett harbors some resentment toward Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ apparent impatience and unwillingness to invest in his development may have left a mark. Whether intentional or not, his comments about the Eagles’ winning culture—highlighted by their recent Super Bowl victory—draw a stark contrast to the Steelers’ ongoing postseason struggles. Philadelphia’s organization, with its clear focus on success “from the top down,” likely provided Pickett with a blueprint for what a championship-caliber team looks like, something he may feel was lacking in Pittsburgh.
Now, as Pickett competes for the starting quarterback role with the Cleveland Browns, his time with the Eagles could prove invaluable. The lessons he absorbed in Philly, from daily operations to the mindset of a winning franchise, will be put to the test. Meanwhile, the Steelers may come to regret letting him go, especially if Pickett’s growth in a new environment leads to success on the field. For now, Pittsburgh remains without a playoff win, while Pickett has a fresh opportunity to prove his worth—and perhaps show his former team what they missed out on.