Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw has publicly criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers for their handling of first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was released after just two seasons with the team. Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl champion, argued that the Steelers failed to provide Pickett with the necessary support, including a solid offensive line and a weapons-filled receiving corps. This, he claimed, led to Pickett’s subpar performance and subsequent release, forcing the Steelers to seek a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Bradshaw’s comments come as the Steelers are finalizing plans for their future at quarterback, following the signing of former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, he expressed skepticism about the potential move, calling it a ‘joke.’ In a recent appearance on an Arkansas radio show, Bradshaw reiterated his belief that the Steelers’ failure to protect Pickett and build a cohesive offense around him was the real issue. He highlighted that despite Pickett’s 14-10 record as a starter, the team’s inability to create a functional offensive system led to his dismissal.
Pickett, who was initially acquired in the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled with consistency in Pittsburgh, where the team missed the playoffs in 2022 but made it in 2023. The Steelers’ offensive struggles persisted, particularly in protecting Pickett during the 2024 season, leading to the decision to cut him. Pickett will now join the Cleveland Browns, where he will compete for the starting quarterback position after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was on the roster during their Super Bowl-winning season.
Bradshaw’s critique of the Steelers has reignited discussions about the importance of roster support for young quarterbacks. He pointed to the success of Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay and Sam Darnold in Minnesota as evidence of the potential for first-round picks to thrive when given the proper resources. His comments suggest that the Steelers’ failure to invest in their quarterback’s development will have long-term consequences for the franchise’s competitiveness, especially as they navigate the quarterback competition for the 2025 season.