Ex-Steelers quarterback fumbles away chance to steal starting job

Las Vegas Raiders fans are going through a terrible time, so much so that they’re beginning to beg ex-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to take over for Geno Smith as the starter.

Smith came in to help new head coach Pete Carroll restart the rebuild process for the troubled franchise, but he’s been far from a stable signal caller. Smith leads the NFL in interceptions, having thrown 10 picks to just 7 touchdowns in six and a half games.

After Smith and the Raiders were decimated in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders turned to Pickett to play cleanup. But Pickett didn’t exactly capitalize on his opportunity.

Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett’s Raiders debut couldn’t have gone worse

Pickett’s first snap came under center, where the former first-round pick fumbled the snap, losing the ball to the Kansas City defense in the process. Pickett was only able to throw two passes in the game, completing both for eight yards.

The state of the contest was so out of hand by the time Kenny Pickett came into the game, it’s not clear yet if the Raiders will make a permanent swap to Pickett. Pickett didn’t exactly correct course for Las Vegas in the game, so it wouldn’t be too surprising for Carroll to make the conservative call to stick with Smith for another week.

The now 2-5 Raiders will host the Jacksonville Jaguars next week. The Jaguars have slumped the past few weeks, though they’ve proven to be a very hot or very cold team so far this season. If ever there were a time for Carroll to make the switch to Pickett, it’s as good a time as any.

READ MORE: Future franchise QB candidate impresses Steelers scouts in big outing

Pickett joined the Raiders via trade after signing with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason. Injuries during training camp limited his opportunities in a crowded room, so the backup job in Las Vegas was more suitable for his future anyway.

Since leaving Pittsburgh, Pickett hasn’t had many meaningful opportunities on the field. Last season, he backed up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and was able to start one game, which he won. He played in four games and completed 59.5% of his passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

The Steelers won’t see Las Vegas this year, but if Pickett can take the job from Smith this season and capitalize on the opportunity, it would only be a matter of time before Pickett has a chance at revenge against the team that drafted him in 2022.