None other than former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. He’s still in that boat today, as he’s battling for the starting job with the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers selected him with the 20th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, following a midseason trade to the Cleveland Indians, he’s in the most important spot of all. Few expected the Browns to be that aggressive by getting Pickett. They swapped a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson for him, showing a clear commitment to improving their quarterback room.
Last year, Pickett played second fiddle to Jalen Hurts on the Philadelphia Eagles. That experience had a profound impact on the trajectory of his career. The Browns made that decision for him by trading for him, thus guaranteeing a $2.6 million salary. This deal locks him in with the team through at least the 2025 season. The Browns chose not to exercise Pickett’s fifth-year option. This $22 million decision puts even more pressure on him to perform at an all-time high.
During his two years with the Steelers, Pickett started 24 games. His professional record ended up being 14-10, and his pro TD/TD ratio was 13 to 13. His tenure in Pittsburgh ended when he demanded a trade. This occurred the year after the team traded for Russell Wilson in 2024, and the Steelers obliged his trade request.
This past season, he had limited opportunities with the Eagles, starting just one game, yet he views that experience positively.
“I’m extremely grateful for my time in Philly. I think I was just shown how it’s supposed to be done, really, from the top down,” – Kenny Pickett.
As he joins the Browns, Pickett has developed a robust rapport with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, training together during the offseason. That bond might end up being essential as they try to build a powerful new-look offense in Cleveland.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he was confident Pickett would be a good fit for their offensive scheme.
“He’s a really tough kid. When we traded for him, Coach [Pat] Narduzzi called me right away and was thrilled because he just believes in who the young man is and how he goes about his business. He’s a gym rat. He’s another guy that works extremely hard at his craft,” – Kevin Stefanski.
With the exception of Jeudy, Pickett developed a strong connection with signal caller Geno Smith during offseason practices. Hopefully his time of working alongside proven successful signal callers will give him a wealth of knowledge that he can translate to on the field success.
Pickett’s only competition for the starting job, veteran Mitch Trubisky, has been inconsistent and even shakier than Pickett at times. He’s competing against veterans Joe Flacco and newcomers Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. There’s a lot of pressure here, too, as he’ll need to make the most of this opportunity and establish himself as the clear-cut starter.
“I think it’s just taking advantage of my opportunity when it’s there,” – Kenny Pickett.
His coaches and teammates have high hopes for the things he’ll do on the field. His work ethic and dedication are his most outstanding qualities. We know they will allow him to continue to flourish in this new chapter of his career.
With his NFL journey evolving rapidly, Pickett remains focused on improving daily and proving himself worthy of the Browns’ trust. He understands as much as anyone that playing quarterback in the modern NFL takes skill, but the ability to adjust and bounce back.
“I think it’s just the nature of where the NFL is now, you know, it takes a lot to play quarterback [well], and everyone’s trying to find that guy,” – Kenny Pickett.
With training camps fast approaching, all eyes will be on Kenny Pickett. He’s on a mission to win the starting quarterback job for the Cleveland Browns. Those past experiences and his new relationships should be key factors in deciding how successful he’ll be in this different climate.
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