Kenny Pickett did not end his Pittsburgh Steelers tenure on the most amicable terms, ultimately requesting a trade. The events that led up to the trade request are less clear, but there are multiple versions of the story. Neither the Steelers nor Pickett have divulged much, nor should they, but various reporters endeavored to fill the gaps.
Local Steelers reporters painted in him a particularly negative light, indicating he responded very poorly to the Russell Wilson signing. Some claim the Steelers told him Wilson would start, while others claim they told him he would compete.
Ultimately, the perception emerged that Pickett ran from competition in requesting a trade.