Kenny Pickett’s journey in the NFL has been a whirlwind of high expectations, tough transitions, and resilience.
From being a hometown hero at the University of Pittsburgh to navigating multiple trades across the league, the quarterback has remained a steady professional.
In this article, you will know Kenny Pickett’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kenny Pickett’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Shane Pickett |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1998 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2025) |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 (Drafted 1st Round, 20th Overall) |
| Net Worth | $6 Million (Estimate) |
| Career Earnings | ~$14.1 Million |
| Wife | Amy Paternoster |
| Current Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Jersey Number | 2 (College), 8 (NFL) |
Early Career
Kenny Pickett grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. He committed to the University of Pittsburgh, where he would eventually become a legend. His college career was a steady climb, culminating in a historic 2021 season.
He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, breaking Dan Marino’s school records and leading Pitt to an ACC Championship. His “fake slide” in the championship game became one of the most viral moments in college football history.
His performance earned him First-Team All-American honors and a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. These accolades solidified his status as the top quarterback prospect in his class, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to select him with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Professional Career
Pickett’s NFL career began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was tasked with replacing franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger. He showed flashes of promise in his rookie season, leading multiple game-winning drives.
However, injuries and offensive struggles limited his production in his second year. In March 2024, the Steelers traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts for the entire 2024 season.
The 2025 offseason proved to be volatile for Pickett. He was first traded to the Cleveland Browns in March 2025 but found himself in a crowded quarterback room. Before the season began, the Browns traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders in August 2025.
In Las Vegas, Pickett settled into a backup role behind Geno Smith, stepping in during the regular season when injuries struck the starting lineup.
Wife
Kenny Pickett is married to Amy Paternoster, a former Division I soccer player at Princeton University. The couple shares a long history, having grown up in the same town in New Jersey and training at the same gym since childhood.
However, they didn’t officially start dating until they reconnected during a college break in 2021.
They got engaged in January 2022 and tied the knot on June 24, 2023, in a lavish ceremony in New Jersey officiated by the Steelers’ team chaplain.
Amy is frequently seen supporting Kenny at games and often shares behind-the-scenes moments of their life on social media. As of late 2025, the couple does not have any children publicly known.
Kenny Pickett’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kenny Pickett’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his fully guaranteed rookie contract, which has paid him consistently despite his movement between four different NFL franchises.
Contract
Pickett originally signed a four-year, $14.1 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Steelers in 2022. Because rookie contracts are transferable in trades, the Eagles, Browns, and eventually the Raiders inherited the financial obligations of this deal.
In April 2025, the Browns (his team at the time) declined his fifth-year option, meaning he is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Pickett earned a base salary of approximately $2.62 million. Since his contract was fully guaranteed at signing, he received this full amount regardless of the trades that occurred during the offseason.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings (Cash) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Steelers | $8,116,204 | Includes Signing Bonus |
| 2023 | Steelers | $1,344,450 | Base Salary |
| 2024 | Eagles | $1,983,900 | Base Salary + Roster Bonus |
| 2025 | Raiders | $2,623,350 | Base Salary |
| Total | ~$14,067,904 | Career Total |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Cmp/Att | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rush Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Steelers | 13 | 245/389 | 2,404 | 7 | 9 | 237 |
| 2023 | Steelers | 12 | 201/324 | 2,070 | 6 | 4 | 54 |
| 2024 | Eagles | 5 | 25/42 | 291 | 2 | 1 | 15 |
| 2025 | Raiders | 3 | 10/14 | 105 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 33 | 481/769 | 4,870 | 16 | 14 | 312 |
FAQs
1. Which team is Kenny Pickett playing?
Kenny Pickett is currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. He was traded to the team in August 2025 from the Cleveland Browns and serves as a backup quarterback on the roster.
2. Why was Kenny Pickett traded so many times?
Pickett was traded by the Steelers to the Eagles in 2024 after they signed Russell Wilson. He was later moved to the Browns and then the Raiders in 2025 as teams adjusted their depth charts and looked for specific backup quarterback options.
3. Does Kenny Pickett have any children?
No, Kenny Pickett and his wife Amy Paternoster do not have any children. They have been married since June 2023 and frequently share updates about their life together on social media.
4. What is Kenny Pickett’s salary for the 2025 season?
Kenny Pickett earned a guaranteed base salary of roughly $2.62 million. This was the final year of his original four-year rookie contract signed in 2022.
5. Did Kenny Pickett start any games for the Raiders?
Pickett primarily served as a backup in 2025 but saw action in relief, including a notable appearance against the Denver Broncos in December where he threw a touchdown pass. He did not open the season as the designated starter.
