With Kenny Pickett and George Pickens as his first two picks in his final draft, former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert hoped to leave the franchise with a lasting legacy. Many will remember that draft class of 2022, but not for setting Pittsburgh up with a dynastic duo. Within three years, they traded both of them, albeit for different reasons.
The Steelers traded Kenny Pickett, primarily, because he lacked the talent to be a starter. The fact that he requested a trade is largely secondary. As for George Pickens, they traded him because they didn’t see a future with him.