Kenny Picket is struggling with the Philadelphia Eagles in training camp so far. What does this mean for the Eagles’ backup quarterback race?
The Eagles are entering two weeks into training camp and position battles are ramping up. The news early this week turned towards the Eagles backup quarterback race. It seemed like that opportunity was primed for newly acquired Kenny Pickett. However, multiple outlets are reporting he’s struggling in camp. This potentially opens the door for competition and uncertainty surrounding Pickett.
Kenny Pickett Struggling Amid Eagles Backup QB Battle
Early Camp Struggles for Kenny Pickett in Training Camp
According to Sports Illustrated, even though Pickett shined early in the offseason, he has been struggling in camp and now his new opportunity with the Eagles might be in jeopardy.
The article claimed at the start of the summer, Eagles on SI reported that Pickett actually looked better than starter Jalen Hurts. That has quickly changed though and now he could compete for the backup quarterback job with Tanner McKee.
“Might be time to have the Tanner McKee over Kenny Pickett discussion,” Eliot Shorr-Parks tweeted. “Would be very curious to see them both get reps with the 1st team offense just to see who does better. It might be McKee.”
Other outlets like Sportsnaut are even discussing whether or not the team may consider cutting the young quarterback, however, that may be unlikely. As their article states, Pickett currently accounts for $1.9 million in cap space for the team in 2024. Cutting Pickett would cost the team almost $5 million in dead cap.
What Does This Mean For Kenny Pickett and The Eagles?
It may not seem like much to discuss, but the backup quarterback position has become more important over recent years, especially for the Eagles. Sure Hurts has looked sharp so far in camp but he has had his injury concerns as the starter in Philly.
Just last season, it was reported Hurts was dealing with a nagging knee injury that sapped him of some of his running and athletic ability. His knee appears to be fully healed now, but with how much he utilizes his legs, who’s to say he won’t re-aggravate the injury or suffer a similar one? Also at the end of the 2022 season, Hurts missed several games due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. The team was in danger of losing the division to the rival Cowboys before Hurts came back and sealed it with a win over the Giants in week 17.
Having a steady backup QB is important. A team needs one to keep the ship afloat in a starter’s absence. That opportunity looked primed for Kenny Pickett. The team traded for him in March because he was unhappy in Pittsburgh.
Pickett struggled his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, throwing 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. When the Steelers traded for Russell Wilson, Pickett wanted a change of scenery and a fresh opportunity. Now, he could be running out of opportunities as he falls further down the depth chart.
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