Pitt Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett knows just how important Ben Roethlisberger has been to the Steel City. He’s ready to replace him.
A tweet is merely a tweet, and a like is a like. We can’t possibly make too much out of it.
Nonetheless, it’s tough not to notice Pickett’s social media trends as we near the NFL Draft in a few months. Pickett is just one of the quarterbacks who will be considered first-round prospects, and the Steelers are in need of one of those signal-callers.
Pickett knows what it takes to win in Pittsburgh, and to do so as a Steeler would make him a whole other level of city legend. He’s up for the challenge, if the Steelers are into the idea.
Steelers: Could Kenny Pickett replace Ben Roethlisberger?
It’s only natural for Steelers fans to wonder what’s next heading into Roethlisberger’s final two games as the starting quarterback. Roethlisberger has manned the position for 18 years — that’s nearly two decades of stability at the quarterback position. Other franchises dream of such things.
Replacing a legend is never easy — the Green Bay Packers have gotten lucky in that regard, transitioning seamlessly from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. It might take a few tries for the Steelers to find a player anywhere near as capable as Roethlisberger, and with that will come some bruises and frustration from the fanbase.
For now, it’s unknown if the Steelers front office is interested in Pickett. It’s unlikely they’re interested in trading up for Pickett, as the Steelers have more holes than just the quarterback position. Week after week, fans are reminded of that.
If Pickett falls to the middle of the first round, then perhaps the Steelers could select him. But for now, Pickett’s draft prospects may be too high for a middling team like Pittsburgh. It’s an intriguing idea, though.