Even after he is gone and no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett is still the talk of the town.

In his recent introductory press conference with his new team, the Philadelphia Eagles, the newest quarterback on the roster said he was confident in the way he handled things in Pittsburgh, and in particular that infamous Week 17 debacle.

“I think the communication is what it is,” he told the Philadelphia media. “It was behind closed doors. I’m confident in the way that I handled it. I handled it the way I should’ve handled it.” 

Pickett continued and highlighted feeling like it “it was time” to leave Pittsburgh.

“I just thought it was time, it just felt like it was time from the things that transpired,” he said. “I wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career. The fact that it’s in Philly, the place I grew up, and found a love for the game here, with a great coaching staff, great players. It’s an awesome opportunity here to join this team.”

His ugly divorce from the Steelers has left a mixed reaction within the fan base. Pickett didn’t do a lot of things in Pittsburgh in terms of success. His 13 touchdown passes in 25 games will hang over his Steelers tenure as the sign of a failed first round pick.

There’s no question that Pickett’s development was botched from day one. He was stuck with the evil Matt Canada and an offense that was seemingly designed to do anything but score points.

But his play as an individual did him no favors in Pittsburgh either. He frequently missed routine throws, and his refusal to stay in the pocket long enough to make a throw often times wound up in him spinning or running directly into sacks.

But he’s gone now. Sent to his childhood team, Pickett is embracing a new life on the other side of the state. For Steelers fans, they should just leave him be. They got the better end of the deal.