Kenny Pickett Aims to Be Browns’ Starting QB in Week 1
Kenny Pickett has his sights set on being the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback when the 2025 NFL season kicks off.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller, who was traded to the Browns from the Philadelphia Eagles in March after backing up Jalen Hurts during their Super Bowl LIX run, spoke about his goals during a visit to the University of Pittsburgh’s spring game. Speaking with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Jerry DiPaola, Pickett made it clear he didn’t come to Cleveland to ride the bench.
“That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out,” Pickett said. “I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time.”
Pickett will be the youngest quarterback in Cleveland’s QB room, which also features veteran Joe Flacco. The 40-year-old Flacco re-signed with the Browns after leading the team to the playoffs in 2023 following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury. Watson is again recovering, this time from a torn Achilles suffered after surgery.
Despite the competition, Pickett is looking forward to learning from Flacco, who is entering his 18th NFL season.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joe,” Pickett said. “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.”
A first-round pick by the Steelers in 2022, Pickett has appeared in 30 games over two seasons, totaling 4,786 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The Pitt product was once viewed as a long-term answer for Pittsburgh, but now he’s focused on a fresh start in Cleveland—and he’s aiming to make the most of it.
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