Roethlisberger offers to help Pickett transition to NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett told reporters Friday that franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger recently called to offer help with his transition to the NFL.

"He said he is always there for me if I have any questions or advice," Pickett said, according to The Athletic's Mark Kaboly. "He is an unbelievable player, a Hall of Famer. He is a guy who I will definitely use as a resource these coming weeks."

Pittsburgh began a new era this year after Roethlisberger announced his retirement following 18 seasons with the club. The Steelers, who already had 2018 third-round pick Mason Rudolph on their quarterback depth chart, added a pair of passers this offseason, signing Mitch Trubisky and drafting Pickett in the first round.

Although Rudolph and Trubisky have struggled as starters in the past, Pickett knows it won't be easy to win that battle under center in 2022.

"I've got no shot if I don't know what I'm doing," he said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I'm dedicating myself to the playbook and learning every detail I possibly can to give myself the best shot, to operate out here."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in April that Pickett "certainly has a chance" to be Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter.

The 23-year-old was the first field general taken in this year's draft after enjoying a standout career at Pitt. Pickett passed for 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns against seven interceptions through 13 games in 2021.