Kenny Pickett eyes starting role after trade to Browns

The 26-year-old Ocean Township native Kenny Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 with the 20th pick overall.

Kenny Pickett eyes starting role after trade to Browns

Kenny Pickett views himself as QB1 in Browns (Image via Imago)

The Cleveland Browns made a major move this week by trading for quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles. Many expected Pickett to be a backup in Cleveland, but the team has allowed him to compete for the starting role.

On the other hand, the Browns are still looking to add another quarterback. Deshaun Watson is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, which could keep him out for majority part of the 2025 season.

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The team is considering free-agent Russell Wilson and may also draft a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are highly projected to be drafted in the top five picks, although the former is more and more associated with the New York Jets.

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Kenny Pickett confirmed his opportunity during his introductory press conference on Thursday.

I do view myself as a starter. All you want is an opportunity. It doesn’t matter who else is in the room. All you can ask for is an opportunity, then you’ve got to go handle the rest.

Kenny Pickett said

Russell Wilson, who recently met with the Browns, is a strong candidate to join the team. If he signs, it would create an interesting situation, as he previously replaced Pickett as the starter in Pittsburgh last year. This led to Pickett’s trade to the Eagles.

Another potential option for the Browns is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. His future with the Falcons remains uncertain, making him a possible target for Cleveland.

Pickett has ample experience as a starter in the NFL. He played for the Steelers in 2022 and 2023, starting 24 games with a 14–10 record. He completed 62.6% of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

Kenny Pickett looks to use his experience as a weapon in his quest to make QB1

Kenny Pickett, being a former Pittsburgh Steelers starter, is familiar with the AFC North. His familiarity with the division could help his case in Cleveland. Although, his role will highly depend on whether the Browns sign or draft another quarterback in the coming weeks, the former experience is quite a notch in his resume.

Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett (Image via AP)

In his introductory speech, Pickett maintained that his understanding of his former team and new foe would be very useful.

I think it’s definitely a big advantage. It’s understanding the style of play when you’re playing in December and January. What those games kind of look like. It usually comes down to one possession at the end of the game. Teams that protect the ball usually have a good chance to win those games. I have a good understanding of how those games go over the course of the year.

Kenny Pickett said in his speech

However, one cannot deny the possibility, and based on the Browns’ trade moves, that they don’t see Pickett as much more than a backup. They paired a Day 3 draft pick with another reserve quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who had fallen out of favor in Cleveland.

Kenny Pickett, having started in one game and served as a backup to Jalen Hurts during his concussion era, played well on tape. The New Jersey native is equipped with good skills. Reflecting on his history, his first win was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, represented by Tom Brady.