Kenny Pickett Shows Leadership With Steelers Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is making sure to play the role.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed four outside free agents early in the new league year. And as names were announced as new members of the black and gold, quarterback Kenny Pickett made sure to show his leadership. 

Both cornerback Patrick Peterson and lineman Nate Herbig took the podium to introduce themselves to the Steelers media and fans, and both confirmed Pickett welcomed them through text messages. 

Neither Peterson or Herbig have relationships with players currently on the roster, but they're looking forward to meeting their new teammates.

"I don't just yet. I know Cam [Heyward], [Minkah Fitzpatrick]. I had an opportunity to work out with Mink when he first came out. We share the same agent. T.J. [Watt] I haven't met. We've met on the field a couple of times, but no relationship outside of that. I got a text from Kenny [Pickett], so I'm excited to get up here and finally meet him in person."

Pickett stepped into that leadership role quickly after he was named the starter over Mitch Trubisky. Players like Najee Harris, Mason Cole and Diontae Johnson all made it known how well the rookie stepped up as a vocal and on-field model for the team.

For Peterson, one of the reasons he chose the Steelers was because of Pickett. The 13-year vet sees the spark Pittsburgh had at the end of the season, and believes it's something they can build on as Pickett grows into the organization's next franchise quarterback. 

"They've done a great young the last couple of years picking great young talent. You got receivers, you got a running back, now you have a nice, young dual-threat quarterback," Peterson said, asking if Pickett wore two gloves. "Two gloves. Now, he's got a little bit of Ben [Roethlisberger] in him. Ben used to rock the left glove. 

"You can see that he's got that pedigree because when he steps into the lineup, you saw a different identity and a new pazazz that came with him being in the lineup."

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