This year, the Cleveland Browns have once again revamped the quarterback position – but without a clear direction. Right now, there are four quarterbacks on the roster, all different from those the Browns had last season, and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has consistently said there’s an “open competition.”
Last season, they had Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe. Now, they have Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who has made the Cleveland Browns a focal point of attention in the NFL.
Most insiders believe Joe Flacco has the edge to be the Browns’ starting quarterback, after playing the last five games of the 2023 season with them – throwing 13 touchdown passes, winning 4 games, losing only 1, and taking the team to the playoffs.
However, one insider believes Kenny Pickett might have the upper hand
All the buzz has been about Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel – but no insiders have backed Kenny Pickett, except for wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who said a few days ago that the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is Kevin Stefanski’s favorite.
Lance Reisland, a writer for cleveland.com, believes Kenny Pickett is the quarterback with the strongest case to become the starter – and that Kevin Stefanski knows it.
#Browns Kenny Pickett ➡️ Jerry Jeudy pic.twitter.com/cwSyX2s1EN
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) June 4, 2025
“Pickett is big and athletic, he is smart and can find advantageous matchups. Stefanski sees a guy who can thrive in his scheme,” said Lance Reisland.
Remember, Kenny Pickett was a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2022. In two seasons, he played 25 games, threw 13 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Last year, he was a backup for the Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl with the team.
Kenny Pickett post-Matt Canada (if DJ caught the TD against the Bengals):
5 and Half Quarters:
32-43 363yards 1TD 0INT
Hate all you want but he was cooking before he got hurt after MC was fired.
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) January 3, 2024
