Steelers fans typically like to know which players are here for the long haul before making a big purchase. Here’s why a Kenny Pickett jersey seems like a safe bet.
With the excitement from the 2022 NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, Pittsburgh fans can set their minds on the next important step: purchasing their next Steelers jersey.
There is always an element of risk with this as we have yet to see these players take the NFL field. Plenty of fans were duped into buying an Artie Burns or Jarvis Jones jersey based on the draft investments Pittsburgh made in these players.
So when it comes to considering a Kenny Pickett Jersey, is this a safe purchase? The short answer is yes.
Let’s start with the risks. Pickett is by no means guaranteed to be a good football player. I can see a scenario in which he underwhelms and winds up somewhere in the mid-to-lower tier of starting NFL quarterbacks. Fortunately, I think the pros outweigh the gamble in this instance.
Pickett is both a first-round draft choice and a quarterback who landed on a terrific franchise in Pittsburgh. These factors by themselves already give Pickett a great shot at sticking around. If you’re afraid that you will have to purchase the jersey of a new QB 2-3 years from now, don’t be. The Steelers will give their investment plenty of time to prove his worth.
Remember, this is the same team that started Jarvis Jones for four years and Artie Burns for three. While Terrell Edmunds shouldn’t have this same ‘bust’ label, he struggled mightily his first two seasons and wasn’t anything spectacular, yet the Steelers brought him back on a second contract.
Steelers QB likely to stick around
Pickett will undoubtedly have more opportunity than any first-round pick in recent memory strictly because of the position he plays. Some also believe that Pickett went into a perfect situation in Pittsburgh. In fact, he was recently number one on an NFL.com list of “Ten NFL rookies in the best situations to succeed in 2022 and beyond.” He’s got a great head coach, a team that likes to spend money, and one that is typically aided by a very good defense.
In addition, Pickett could see a relatively quick path to success, as the team made every effort to load him up with young offensive weapons. The weapons in his arsenal before he even takes his first NFL snap consist of players like Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III. These playmakers should aid Pickett early in his career and a few could stick around as his security blanket.
Obviously, Pickett’s history with the city is already a big plus, and for many fans of Pittsburgh sports, his jersey is worth purchasing for this reason alone. Fans would love to see that fairy tale story continue as he builds his legacy with the city where it all started.
Pickett may never be a star quarterback in the NFL or an MVP candidate, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have an excellent track record when spending high draft capital at the QB position, and I trust that he can be successful with this team. You can put your mind at ease when you purchase your first Kenny Pickett jersey despite the fact that he has yet to play an NFL game.