Kenny Pickett’s NFL career hasn’t been great even though the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to make the AFC Wild Card during the 2023 season. His performance during his sophomore campaign has fans wondering if he’s the right successor to Ben Roethlisberger.

Fortunately for him, Arthur Smith’s arrival as the team’s offensive coordinator might have given his Pittsburgh Steelers career the needed lease. While there are still questions about the former Atlanta Falcons head coach’s ability tp lead an NFL offense, he will still provide a fresh offensive scheme that might allow the Pitt standout to thrive.Ezoic

And reports suggest that he’s also looking forward to the opportunity that the former Atlanta Falcons head coach will provide him.

Report: Kenny Pickett is eager to start new Pittsburgh Steelers era under Smith
Former Steeler Patrick Peterson shared during the latest All Things Covered episode that Pickett should be looking forward to playing under Smith.

Peterson had this to say about his situation, as reported by Steelers Depot’s Ross McCorkle:

“I cannot wait to see what the outcome is gonna be,” Patrick Peterson said. “I’m sure Kenny is very excited to get a fresh start, and not only with Coach Arthur, but with the offensive staff that he’s bringing along with him…I think he’s gonna make it that much better for Kenny moving forward.”

Peterson went into further detail about how Smith’s hiring was targeted with Pickett in mind:

“I think Kenny Pickett [has] the opportunity to really reap the fruits of his labor,” Peterson said. I know Coach Tomlin wanted to get a guy that really fit that Pittsburgh personality…So I think it was a great hire.”

Pickett experienced a bad regression under Matt Canada’s system. In the 12 games he played for the Steelers, he threw for 2070 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions before he was benched for Mason Rudolph.

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Credit: Getty Images
Arthur Smith may not be the best offensive mind in the NFL, but he has the credentials and experience to turn Pickett’s career around. Pittsburgh Steelers fans can only hope that he will be able to turn Picketts’ career around.