Browns Predicted to Part Ways With Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett’s shot at reviving his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns could be slipping away before training camp even begins.

Pickett arrived in Cleveland this offseason via trade, hoping to compete for the starting quarterback job. But the Browns are holding a four-way battle that also includes rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, along with 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco.

While most expect Cleveland to choose either Pickett or Flacco to open the season, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes one of the rookies will ultimately get the nod for Week 1. He also thinks that Pickett faces an uphill battle to make the final roster, with the Browns unlikely to retain four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.

“Talent-wise, I think both those guys have a huge advantage over Kenny Pickett,” Jeremiah said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “Kenny Pickett has to be light years better than each of them to make the team. To me, I think Joe Flacco is just in case they don’t feel like they can be competent at the position, then you insert Joe. I think their Week 1 starter is going to be one of those two rookies. I really feel that way.”

Kenny Pickett Potential Odd Man Out With Browns

Getty ImagesDaniel Jeremiah thinks the Browns will pick one of their rookies to start the season.

The Browns’ quarterback situation is under the spotlight. Cleveland passed on selecting a top signal-caller with the No. 2 pick in the draft, instead trading down to No. 5, selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham, and acquiring more capital for 2025. That move has placed even more pressure on the organization to evaluate Sanders and Gabriel this season — a reality that could leave Pickett as the odd man out.

“I think you have to learn this year,” Jeremiah said. “They made that trade, so they’ve got some ammunition for next year. Next year at this time, they have to know what they have in those two rookies. They have to see them, and that’s why, to me, I don’t think you waste time… You have to evaluate these two kids that you just drafted, so before this next draft, you have some clarity of what you have on campus.”

The argument for Pickett would be that the Browns gave up assets to land him via trade. He’s also 13 years younger than Flacco.

However, Flacco has experience in the Browns system from his stint in Cleveland during the 2023 season. He went 4-1 with the Browns, passing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns. His efforts earned him Comeback Player of the Year honors.

Browns Not Ready to Unveil QB Depth Chart

Getty ImagesBrowns head coach Kevin Stefanski has not released a depth chart.

The Browns got an early look at their four quarterbacks during minicamp and OTAs, but they’re in no rush to set a depth chart. That’s expected to take shape closer to the start of preseason games.

“We’re so far away from that type of thought process,” Stefanski said during minicamp. “Honestly, we’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason, it’s OTAs. So we’re going to keep the focus there. Once you get into training camp, of course you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready for playing the season. But right now that’s not our focus.”

The Browns will gather for training camp in late July, with the rookies reporting on July 18 and the veterans joining a few days later. Cleveland’s first preseason game is on Aug. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.