Browns see Kenny Pickett as more than just a backup

CLEVELAND, Ohio — When the Cleveland Browns traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett earlier this offseason, many assumed he’d simply serve as a backup. However, recent revelations from team leadership and Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot suggest the organization has much higher expectations for the former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick. On the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast , Cabot shared surprising insights about how the Browns view Pickett’s potential role with the team.

“Absolutely. If we need him to start on Day One, we feel like he can do that,” Cabot revealed, quoting the Browns’ assessment of Pickett at the NFL annual meetings. This strong endorsement indicates the Browns see Pickett as a legitimate contender for the starting quarterback position, not just an insurance policy.



What makes Pickett particularly appealing to the Browns? According to Cabot, it’s his ball security. “And here’s why. Because on a number of occasions they have told us that Kenny Pickett doesn’t turn the ball over.

And that’s what they’re looking for out of their quarterback, almost a game manager who’s not going to turn the ball over in the same way that they used to describe Jacoby Brissett to us,” she explained. This quality stands in stark contrast to Joe Flacco, who despite his heroics for Cleveland last season, has struggled with turnovers. Cabot noted that during Flacco’s stint with the Colts, he threw “six interceptions and three lost fumbles” in his final four starts — precisely the kind of risky play the Browns are hoping to avoid.

Even more revealing is Cabot’s disclosure that the Browns’ interest in Pickett isn’t new. “He revealed that they would have absolutely loved to have acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade when he asked to be traded last season,” she said, referring to Andrew Berry’s comments at the NFL annual meetings. This long-standing interest suggests the organization has been eyeing Pickett as more than just a depth piece.

The Browns appear to see Pickett as a candidate for the kind of career renaissance that several other quarterbacks have experienced in recent years. “I honestly think that they are looking at him as having the same kind of potential that Sam Darnold had when he went to the Vikings and excelled up there..

. Baker Mayfield..

. in Tampa, Jared Goff in Detroit, Geno Smith in Seattle,” Cabot explained. One factor potentially working in Pickett’s favor is his recent coaching experience under Kellen Moore with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Kenny was right there, step for step, learning every single thing that Jalen Hurts learned from Kellen Moore,” noted Cabot, referring to the offensive coordinator who helped guide Hurts to a Super Bowl victory. With Pickett openly stating that he plans to be the Browns’ starting quarterback this season, an intriguing competition appears to be brewing in Cleveland. While many assumed Joe Flacco would be handed the starting role after signing with the team, the Browns’ high regard for Pickett suggests a genuine quarterback battle could unfold during training camp.

As the Browns approach the NFL Draft, their confidence in Pickett may also influence their selection strategy. Whether they still target a quarterback early or pivot to another position entirely, one thing is clear: Kenny Pickett will have a legitimate opportunity to revitalize his career in Cleveland, potentially as the team’s starting quarterback. Here’s the podcast for this week: If the player above doesn’t work, you can listen to this week’s podcast on Spotify or on Apple podcasts .

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