‘Bold’ Kenny Pickett sends straight forward message to Deshaun Watson, Browns before NFL season
Kenny Pickett, 26, joined the Cleveland Browns in offseason after spending a year being Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia.
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Kenny Pickett, Deshaun Watson (Images via Getty Images/X)
The Cleveland Browns, after a surprising playoff finish in 2023, succumbed to an early exit last season. They finished last in the AFC North as the second-worst team of the season, with just four wins in seventeen games of the season.
The Cleveland Browns were troubled by their quarterback problem. Deshaun Watson, who was disgraced off the field with the s**ual misconduct allegations, was equally bad on the field. He sustained an injury mid-season that might keep him out of the field next season as well. Although Jameis Winston was much better than Watson, he also failed to deliver results.
In the offseason, the Browns have almost parted ways with the huge money Watson, while Winston has jumped ships. For the time being, they have brought in Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles and Joe Flacco from the Indianapolis Colts as replacements. Although they hold the second overall pick, the Browns are expected to bring Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Therefore, it is currently unknown who’s starting for the team in the upcoming season.
Kenny Pickett, who had just one start in the whole of last season, has already set eyes on the starting position. The New Jersey native, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Panthers, made an appearance at the Acrisure Stadium for the Pitt spring game. Pickett, who had mentioned his expectations before, doubled down on his thoughts in an interview amid the appearance with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time.
Kenny Pickett said
Pickett also spoke about playing and competing with Joe Flacco for a spot. Flacco, a veteran quarterback, had previously started for the Pitt Panthers in 2003 and 2004.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joe. I’ve been watching him since I was 10 years old. Total respect for Joe, what he’s done and I’m excited to get to work with him, too.
Kenny Pickett added
Kenny Pickett on the Pitt Panthers’ ACC Championship in 2021
In 2021, the Pittsburgh Panthers finished first in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) ahead of the Miami Hurricanes and UNC Tar Heels. They won seven out of the eight intra-conference games and held an overall record of 11-3.
In the ACC Championship Game, the Panthers played the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where they ended up being the champions. Kenny Pickett was awarded the MVP and OPOY for his performance. Pickett recorded 42 touchdowns from 4319 passing yards with a 67.2% completion rate.
Pickett opened up on the reasons behind the victory in 2021. He noted that their core values remained intact on hard work and dedication.
The core values of football at every level stay true — college and professional. Pour into your team. Pour into your teammates, care about one another. You’d be surprised when you go out there and see how hard guys play for each other.
Kenny Pickett said
He also noted that the team was a brotherhood. The team established a bond outside of football, hanging out with each other outside of football.
That was the reason that (2021 Pitt) team went as far as we did (winning the ACC championship), just because of how tight we were, a brotherhood. We all cared about each other. We all hung out a ton outside of football. It was just such a blast to go out on Saturday and play with your best friends.
Kenny Pickett added
Pickett also wished that the same intent in 2021 remains in the team. However, they registered a single season with winning record since 2021. In 2024, they won seven games, finishing 10th in the ACC.
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