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Pickett Trade Talks Heat Up as Steelers Field Offers

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rade-talks-heat-up-as-steelers-field-offers.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 6:39 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Pennsylvania, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Quarterback Carousel Continues: Pickett Trade Talks Heat Up as Teams Scramble for Stability

Monday, February 16th, 2026 - The NFL landscape is shifting rapidly as teams begin to solidify their quarterback situations heading into the offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off signing veteran Russell Wilson, are now reportedly entertaining offers for 2022 first-round draft pick, Kenny Pickett. While the Steelers maintain they haven't actively shopped Pickett, a surge of inquiries from teams seeking either a reliable backup or a potential future starter has created a significant possibility of a trade.

The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as a leading candidate, but a growing list of teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Washington Commanders, are circling, indicating a robust market for the young quarterback. This isn't simply about finding a warm body to hold a clipboard; it speaks to a league-wide nervousness regarding quarterback depth and a desire to capitalize on potentially undervalued talent.

Steelers' Strategic Shift: From Pickett to Wilson and Beyond

The Steelers' decision to bring in Russell Wilson immediately cast doubt on Pickett's long-term future in Pittsburgh. While initially touted as the franchise's quarterback of the future, Pickett's performance over the past two seasons has been inconsistent, failing to fully justify his first-round draft status. The arrival of Wilson, despite his age, provides immediate stability and allows the Steelers to explore options that maximize their return on Pickett. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is likely seeking a mid-round draft pick - potentially a 3rd or 4th rounder - in exchange for Pickett, viewing it as an opportunity to recoup some value and further bolster the roster.

Vikings' Contingency Plan: Life After (or Alongside) Cousins

For the Minnesota Vikings, the situation is slightly different. Kirk Cousins is entering a contract year, and while the team hopes to retain him, uncertainty surrounds his future. The Vikings need a competent backup who can step in if Cousins suffers an injury or, if the season goes south, potentially take over as the starter. Pickett offers a degree of upside that most available backups lack. The Vikings, given their relatively limited draft capital, are likely targeting a late-round pick as sufficient compensation, hoping to acquire Pickett at a bargain price.

However, the Vikings may face competition, driving up the price. Reports suggest the team is also evaluating free agent options, but a low-risk, potentially high-reward prospect like Pickett is appealing.

Raiders, Broncos, and Commanders: The Wild Cards

The Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Washington Commanders all present intriguing, though less defined, possibilities. The Raiders are still seemingly in a perpetual rebuild and could view Pickett as a potential building block, even if it means taking on some risk. The Broncos, after a disappointing season, are expected to aggressively pursue a quarterback solution, and while they may also target top free agents, Pickett could serve as a cost-effective option. The Commanders, with a new ownership group, are also in a rebuilding phase and could be looking for a young quarterback to develop.

The Factors at Play: Beyond Draft Picks

The success of any potential trade hinges on several key factors. Financial considerations, particularly Pickett's contract, will play a role. The Steelers will likely want the acquiring team to assume a significant portion of his remaining salary. Roster fit is also crucial; the receiving corps and offensive line in place will greatly influence Pickett's potential for success.

Perhaps the most unpredictable element is Pickett himself. He has to be willing to embrace a change of scenery and compete for playing time. A reluctant player is unlikely to thrive. Some analysts speculate that Pickett's camp may prefer a situation where he has a clear path to becoming a starter, potentially narrowing his list of preferred destinations.

The evolving quarterback market, combined with the specific needs of each interested team, suggests that the next few weeks will be crucial. The Steelers are in a position of strength, able to dictate terms to some extent. The Vikings, Raiders, Broncos, and Commanders are all desperate to address their quarterback situations, and Pickett represents a tantalizing, if imperfect, solution. Expect further developments as teams continue to assess their options and prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.