14-10: The Win-Loss Record Former Steelers GM Colbert Says Made Kenny Pickett a 'Start-and-Win' QB

Alright, 12s, buckle up, because former Steelers G.M. Kevin Colbert just dropped a bombshell defense of a draft pick that feels wild to hear in 2026. Picture this: a general manager, years after his tenure, still out there batting for a quarterback his team traded away after just two seasons. Colbert, speaking on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, through a report by Jack Markowski of SI.com, actually said Kenny Pickett "lived up to" expectations, citing a 14-10 record. You read that right. He's out here explaining why trading a guy after two years, who's now on his fourth team, was actually a *good* decision. My jaw is still on the floor.

The QB Carousel After the Draft Room Decision

Let's rewind this flick. Back in the day, after Ben Roethlisberger wrapped up his career, the Steelers were hot for Kenny Pickett, using the 20th overall pick to "pounce" on the Pitt product. They saw something, right? Two seasons go by, and poof, the Steelers "punted" on Pickett. He was out. The dude then became an NFL nomad. He spent the 2024 season in Philadelphia, where get this, he snagged a Super Bowl ring. Yeah, *after* Pittsburgh let him walk. Then, in 2025, he was traded to the Browns, then to the Raiders, playing out the year in Las Vegas. Now? Pickett's chilling on the Panthers' depth chart, backing up

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Bryce Young. What a ride, huh?

A Legacy on the Line: Colbert's Defense

So, with all that history, Colbert is out here defending his initial call. "We projected Kenny to be a start-and-win NFL quarterback, and quite honestly, he lived up to that in his first two seasons with us," Colbert stated. His proof? "For us, he was 14-10 and trending in the right direction. So that’s what we thought we had in Kenny." Interesting, to say the least. It’s wild because Colbert actually retired before the decision was made to trade Pickett to the Eagles. It reminds you of another pivotal draft moment for the Steelers: they passed on Dan Marino, 21st overall, before Terry Bradshaw's last year. Marino never got a Super Bowl ring. Pickett? He earned one, just not for the team that drafted him. This whole thing just makes you think about how GMs weigh talent, trajectory, and legacy. This early in the NFL season, with teams just getting a feel for their new rosters and schemes under coaches like our own Mike Macdonald and O.C. Brian Fleury, these kinds of draft evaluations loom large. For us fans, it's a reminder of how high the stakes are when an organization commits to a QB. Here's hoping we see nothing but upward trends from our own Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Rashid Shaheed as the season gets rolling. We just want to see our guys succeed in the Emerald City, not chasing rings on other squads, you know?

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.