Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Brock Purdy

Thursday, July 11, 4:03 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett joined the organization after spending just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The University of Pittsburgh product posted 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 games for the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the Steelers gave up on him quickly and dealt him for mid-round pick swaps. Now in Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is embracing the change of scenery. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better." While taking a step back could be a good thing for Pickett's career, he's unlikely to see any playing time anytime soon barring an injury to Jalen Hurts. That said, he could be an intriguing bench stash in two-QB and superflex leagues due to the offensive weaponry and offensive line the Eagles possess.

Monday, June 10, 8:18 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy feels better positioned for success heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Unlike last offseason, when the signal-caller was working his way back from an elbow injury, he has been training since the 49ers were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. "We got all the way to the end. We're right there and weren't able to finish it," Purdy said during an interview. "So for me, I had that taste in my mouth, and then get back into the gym, start slowly, working into it. And then here, in OTAs, getting with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] and going over all the games that we played in, every play, and going over situational football and stuff, and taking that and actually going out on the field and running things and repping things, and throwing to receivers. Last year, I didn't have that, so now that I'm able to attack those things, I feel like I've gotten better." Purdy finished the regular season by throwing for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks while completing nearly 70% of his throws. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old will be better than he was in 2023-24. But he's a viable fantasy quarterback in nearly all formats, even more so if Brandon Aiyuk remains with the Niners.