The Cleveland Browns made one of the most under-the-radar moves of the NFL offseason by bringing in quarterback Kenny Pickett through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles — a decision now receiving significant praise.
Pickett, who entered the league as a first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, spent last season backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. While that chapter didn’t produce on-field playing time, it gave Pickett a chance to soak in a championship-caliber environment. Now, he’s landed in Cleveland with a shot to carve out a fresh path.
NFL analyst Jeff Kerr recently spotlighted the Browns’ move to acquire Pickett as one of the top 12 transactions of the offseason. According to Kerr, the deal — which sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Eagles — gave Cleveland a legitimate competitor for the quarterback job.
Pickett was initially expected to compete for the starting position. But things have gotten more complicated since the trade, with the Browns adding veteran Joe Flacco and selecting rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the draft. As a result, the battle for the QB1 spot heading into training camp is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about in the league.
Despite mixed results during his time with the Steelers, the Browns are betting on Pickett’s potential. There’s optimism in Cleveland that the 26-year-old could find his stride in Kevin Stefanski’s offense — especially considering how other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold have bounced back when given new opportunities elsewhere.
Pickett has reportedly been receiving significant reps with the first-team offense during organized team activities and minicamp. While Flacco brings experience and leadership to the room, insiders believe that Pickett will get every chance to prove he can lead the team into the future.
What sets Pickett apart is his ability to move in and out of the pocket — a trait evaluators believe could benefit Stefanski’s play-calling. With a creative offensive system and competition around him, the Browns hope that Pickett’s mobility and age give him a real edge, not just in 2025, but potentially for seasons to come.
As the quarterback race continues into the heart of the offseason, Flacco might hold a slight edge to start the season opener. However, Pickett’s development — and his fit in this Browns system — could very well change the narrative by the time Week 1 arrives.
