Mike Tomlin answers big question about Kenny Pickett’s future

May 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) participates in drills during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no plans to part ways with Kenny Pickett this offseason, but that does not mean the quarterback will be guaranteed a starting role.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked on Thursday about Pickett’s future with the team. Tomlin heaped praise on Pickett and said he remains “extremely confident” in the former first-round pick. However, Tomlin made it clear that Pickett will have to compete for the starting job.

“He will (be back), but obviously there will be competition. There’s always competition in this thing,” Tomlin said. “We don’t anoint anyone. Man, I’m appreciative of his efforts and where he is and excited about continuing to work with him. But, certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective moving forward. Competition brings the best out in all of us.”

Will Kenny Pickett be your starter next year? #Steelers Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/19JVkjzdN5

— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 18, 2024

Mason Rudolph played well enough late in the year to surpass Pickett as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. Rudolph started in the Steelers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the playoffs on Sunday. He is set to become a free agent, but Tomlin said he is hoping the veteran returns.

Even after Rudolph took over as the Steelers’ starter, the team seemed to make an effort to protect Pickett’s feelings. Tomlin and company obviously have not given up on Pickett as their quarterback of the future, but the 25-year-old has not played well enough to be handed anything.