PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett’s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers came to a sudden and ugly ending last week when the team announced that they had traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles for a set of draft picks amid rumors that he he did not take the addition of Russell Wilson well and requested to be moved.

Pickett, in his first press conference for the Eagles since being traded, explained why he wanted to leave the Steelers and get a fresh start on the other side of the state.

I just thought it was time,” he said via the NBC Sports Philadelphia YouTube channel. “It just felt like it was time from things that transpired. Wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else to grow my career.”

There was clearly some friction between Pickett and Steelers management when he left but he still spoke highly of his former team – particularly his teammates and coaches.

“I gave everything I had there and loved all of my teammates and the coaches that I came across. Some absolute great memories that I’ll take forever and lifelong friendships,” Pickett said. “Talking to guys after it all went down, grateful that we had the time we had together. Wish everyone over there nothing but the best.”