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Kenny Pickett Trade Rumors Intensify

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 19:28 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Pennsylvania, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Pittsburgh, PA - January 31st, 2026 - The NFL quarterback landscape is once again in flux as reports intensify regarding the potential trade of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. After a largely underwhelming start to his career, the Steelers are reportedly open to moving the former first-round draft pick, opening a window of opportunity for several teams seeking stability - or at least competition - at the most crucial position in football.

The Steelers selected Pickett with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would become their franchise quarterback. However, his rookie season was marred by inconsistencies and struggles, and despite expectations for improvement in 2023, Pickett failed to demonstrate the necessary growth. The arrival of veteran Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh seemingly sealed Pickett's fate, pushing him further down the depth chart and prompting the Steelers to explore trade options. While Wilson's performance in his first year with the Steelers wasn't stellar, the organization seems committed to giving him a longer look, making Pickett expendable.

Several teams are already emerging as potential suitors for the young quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings are currently considered a frontrunner. Following a devastating Achilles injury to longtime starter Kirk Cousins mid-season, the Vikings scrambled to fill the void, signing Carson Wentz as a stopgap solution. However, Wentz's performance has been uneven, leaving the Vikings searching for a long-term answer. Pickett, despite his struggles, represents a younger, potentially higher-ceiling option to compete with and potentially surpass Wentz. The Vikings' offensive coordinator, now in their second year with the team, has publicly stated the need for a quarterback who can consistently execute the team's evolving offensive scheme.

Beyond Minnesota, the Las Vegas Raiders are also reportedly monitoring the situation. While they've brought in Gardner Minshew, a proven veteran capable of solid play, the Raiders are still evaluating their long-term quarterback prospects. Pickett could provide valuable competition and a potential developmental project for their new coaching staff. The Raiders are in a rebuilding phase, and investing in a young quarterback at a reasonable price could be a smart move.

The Denver Broncos, having drafted Bo Nix with high hopes, are likely seeking a reliable and capable backup. A seasoned veteran would provide insurance in case of injury or underperformance by Nix, and Pickett - despite his limited NFL experience - fits that profile. The Broncos' defensive-minded head coach has emphasized the importance of a stable quarterback situation for the team's overall success.

Further down the list are the Tennessee Titans, who are still navigating the post-Ryan Tannehill era. Will Levis showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, but the Titans need to determine if he is the franchise quarterback of the future. Pickett could provide competition and force Levis to elevate his game. The Titans' general manager has a history of taking calculated risks on players with upside.

The Chicago Bears present an interesting case. Currently possessing a surplus of quarterbacks, they could potentially afford to take a flier on Pickett, especially if the price is right. However, with the Bears seemingly content with their current quarterback room and focusing on building around their young offense, a trade for Pickett seems less likely.

Finally, the New England Patriots, embarking on the Drake Maye era, might also express interest. While Maye is expected to be the immediate starter, the Patriots have a history of valuing depth at the quarterback position. Pickett could serve as a valuable backup and learn from the experienced coaches in New England. However, the Patriots are known for their rigorous evaluation process, and Pickett would need to impress during any potential tryout.

The trade market for Kenny Pickett is complex. While his performance to date hasn't lived up to the hype of a first-round pick, several teams are willing to take a chance on his potential. The ultimate destination for Pickett will likely depend on his trade value, the specific needs of each team, and the availability of other quarterback options. The coming weeks promise to be filled with speculation and maneuvering as teams jostle for position in the ever-competitive NFL quarterback market.