Kenny Pickett - Fantasy Points Outlook

QB Russell Wilson announced late Sunday night that he'll be signing with the Steelers after his release from Denver becomes official. The vet will be signing for just $1.2 million, thanks to the Broncos being on the hook for about $39 million. That Pittsburgh number is far from guaranteed-starter money. But Wilson's quick decision on the Steelers almost certainly means they guaranteed him at least a chance to compete for the starting job. If Wilson can't beat out Kenny Pickett this summer, it'd be either the worst sign yet for his career or a huge step forward for Pickett. We'll head toward summer assuming Wilson will emerge as the starter. The landing spot, though, isn't exciting for his fantasy outlook. And Wilson's arrival -- after the way he performed the past two years -- doesn't elevate Pittsburgh's pass-catchers.

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The Steelers released QB Mitchell Trubisky. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said the two sides agreed to "mutually part ways." Trubisky made two starts for Pittsburgh this past year, totaling 359 yards, two TDs, and three INTs on 6.2 yards per pass attempt. The 29-year-old will only land a backup job on the open market and has scant dynasty value. The Steelers are expected to add a QB this offseason to compete with or replace Kenny Pickett.

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New Steelers OC Arthur Smith talked up QB Kenny Pickett a little in his first interview since taking the job. "It's exciting to hear the way that this offense is built with a lot of young players and, obviously, where Kenny Pickett is at going into his third year," Smith said to Missi Matthews of Steelers.com. "There's a relationship that's got to be built between me and Kenny, and that's so paramount between the playcaller and the quarterback. I've got to earn Kenny's trust and vice versa as we build this offense and all the things we want to work on, and we want him to work on and take command of this offense." Does this mean Pickett is guaranteed to start Week 1 in 2024? Of course not. HC Mike Tomlin told reporters in January that Pickett heads into the offseason as the top QB but "will be challenged." Until and unless Pittsburgh acquires a significant challenger, though, Pickett is the likeliest 2024 starter. Early best ball drafting has him going outside the top 32 at the position on both Underdog and FFPC. That makes Pickett worth a look as your QB3, especially if you've drafted a Steelers pass-catcher or two.

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