Kenny Pickett expects to be the Week 1 starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
Pickett, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles in March after winning Super Bowl LIX as Jalen Hurts’ backup. Talking with Jerry DiPaola at the University of Pittsburgh’s spring game, his alma mater, Pickett said he intends to be the Browns’ starter, even after they signed former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco.
“That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out,” Pickett said to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time.”
Pickett is the youngest quarterback in that room. He and Flacco will compete for the starting spot after incumbent starter Deshaun Watson re-tore his achilles after having surgery.
He is looking forward to working with a veteran such as Flacco, who is entering his 18th season in the NFL. Flacco is returning to the Browns, whom he led in the playoffs in 2023 after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joe,” Pickett told DiPaola. “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.”
Over his career, Pickett has played in 30 games, throwing for 4786 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The Steelers’ first-round pick out of Pitt in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett was heralded as a player who could help turn around the franchise after playing next door at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
