5 Steelers we can safely call busts after the 2023 season

Steelers bust #1: Kenny Pickett

Things certainly haven’t gone Kenny Pickett’s way since being drafted in the first round. Post-Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers were desperate to find the face of the franchise. Even with a bad quarterback class, Pittsburgh forced themselves to take Pickett in the hopes that he could be ready enough to keep this team stable and competitive in the AFC.

That hasn’t been the case, and Pickett has looked like one of the worst quarterbacks in the league regularly. This isn’t just statistical either (although those numbers are ugly). Pickett has looked lost in the pocket, can’t progress through reads, and struggles to make routine passes. Sure, he has had some bright spots when the game is on the line, but he hasn’t consistently been a good player through two seasons.

While Pittsburgh hasn’t completely given up on him, they are certainly running out of patience. He was essentially benched after his injury, as the team found more success with Mason Rudolph at the helm. It will be telling how they view Pickett with what they do this offseason.

While the change in coordinator will give Pickett a better chance, Smith failed to get anything out of fellow 2022 rookie Desmond Ridder. He isn’t your traditionally quarterback-minded coordinator either. That said, Pickett will be given every chance to prove himself as a starter, but as of now, he looks like the biggest bust on the current roster.