Quarterback Kenny Pickett is well-acquainted with the intensity of AFC North rivalries and understands the demands of playing in the division.
Having experienced those battles firsthand during his first two seasons in the NFL after being selected 20th overall by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett now finds himself back in the AFC North—this time with the Browns.
“The AFC North is extremely competitive,” Pickett said. “After playing in it for two years, I quickly realized that. The games aren’t always pretty, but it’s a tough, physical brand of football, and I’m excited to be part of it again.”
The Browns acquired Pickett in a trade with the Eagles, sending quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick to Philadelphia—a deal announced on March 12. As Cleveland restructures its quarterback depth chart, Pickett has an opportunity to compete for a role.
Following the 2024 season, Pickett had discussions with the Eagles’ front office about the possibility of a trade. Both sides agreed that his game film demonstrated his potential value to other teams, though he wasn’t aware Cleveland would be his landing spot.
“I’m really happy to be here,” Pickett said. “This team has a lot of talent, and after speaking with the coaching staff, I’m eager to get started.”
Throughout his NFL career, Pickett has been both a starter and a backup, holding a 15-10 record as a starting quarterback. With the Steelers, he started 24 of the 25 games he played. After being traded to the Eagles in the 2024 offseason, he served as Jalen Hurts’ backup and appeared in five games.
During his time as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, Pickett learned how to navigate adversity and focus on winning—an essential skill in the league. While in a backup role, he approached the position as an opportunity to grow, develop, and gain new perspectives from another coaching staff and system.
“It was valuable to see things from a different perspective, experience another system, and work with new teammates,” Pickett said. “Philadelphia has some great players, so there was a lot to learn and improve upon.”
Now joining his third NFL team, Pickett already has some familiarity with Cleveland’s coaching staff. He previously met head coach Kevin Stefanski during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine when the Browns evaluated him in the draft process. He also noted similarities between Stefanski’s system and the offense he ran in college under Coach Mark Whipple—who once coached quarterbacks for Cleveland.
Playing in Whipple’s NFL-style system at Pitt helped prepare Pickett for the transition to the pros, giving him a foundation in the terminology and concepts used at this level. That experience, he believes, will help him adjust quickly in Cleveland.
First Day with the Browns
During his visit to Cleveland, Pickett joined the Browns’ other new additions—defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas—on a tour of the team facility.
Pickett also has a connection with one of his new teammates, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The two recently trained together in Florida, an opportunity that allowed them to build chemistry before Pickett even knew he’d be joining the Browns.
“I was already training there before the trade happened, and now we get to work together more,” Pickett said. “Seeing his route running, ability to separate, and ball skills—he’s a special player. Throwing to him is definitely a good way to start building that connection.”
As Pickett adjusts to his new team, the Browns continue to retool their offense following a disappointing 2024 season, including reshaping their quarterback room.
He acknowledges that Cleveland may bring in additional quarterbacks—either a veteran or a rookie through the draft—but remains focused on proving himself as a starting-caliber player.
“I see this as a great opportunity to compete,” Pickett said. “That’s all you can really ask for. I was told I’d have a chance to earn my spot, and I’m excited for that challenge. Every quarterback room I’ve been in has been a tight group where we push each other to improve, and that’s the approach I’ll bring here. No matter what happens, I’ll be ready for the competition.”