WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Now that Kenny Pickett doesn’t have Russell Wilson standing in his way again, he has a legitimate chance to be the Browns top veteran bridge quarterback and possibly start games this season.
If the Browns had signed Wilson, he would’ve been the most likely quarterback to start the season in the event the Browns rookie — possibly drafted at No. 2 overall — wasn’t ready.
But the Browns didn’t get very far down the road with Wilson because it become apparent after his visit to the team facility two weeks ago that it wasn’t a fit: they viewed him as a bridge, and he still views himself as a full-time starter for multiple years. Even though the Giants haven’t guaranteed him such an opportunity, they still signed him to a one-year deal worth either $10.5 million with incentives worth up to $21 million, more than the Browns want to pay for an older quarterback while they’re transitioning to a younger roster.
If the Browns don’t land Kirk Cousins — and it’s probably unlikely at this point because of all the variable and financial considerations involved — Pickett moves into place as the veteran bridge even though he’s started only 25 games, going 14-10 with the Steelers and 1-0 with the Eagles last season.
The Browns might still end up signing an older, more experience veteran such as a Joe Flacco or Carson Wentz, but they’re not on the frontrunner at this point. They seem comfortable pairing Pickett with whichever rookie they draft — Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough or someone else — and letting them compete for the starting job in camp. If the rookie is ready from Day 1, he’ll get the nod, but they’re prepared and excited to roll with Pickett if that’s how it plays out in the early going.
The No. 20 overall pick by the Steelers in 2022, Pickett falls into that category of young NFL quarterbacks who didn’t succeed with their original teams for one reason or another, but went on to excel in a second or third chance. It includes the likes of Jared Goff, Geno Smith, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield.
In fact, if Pickett hadn’t asked the Steelers to trade him when they signed Wilson last offseason, he might be there right now gearing up to compete for the starting job with Mason Rudolph in the event they don’t sign Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers also possibly have Milroe in mind at No. 21 overall, but he might need a year to develop or for the team to build its scheme around him.
If the Browns draft a polished quarterback such as Sanders, he might be ready to step in from Day 1. But if they opt for one later, Pickett might have a chance to re-establish himself as an NFL starter, and that’s exactly what he wants.
During his introductory video conference, Pickett made it clear that he just needs someone to see his potential.
[“I do view myself as a starter,” he said.](https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/03/browns-new-qb-kenny-pickett-i-do-see-myself-as-a-starter.html) “I’m sure they’re going to bring in another veteran and who knows what else, but I’m just excited to be here and compete with whoever. All the quarterback rooms I’ve been in, each room’s been really tight. We all pull for each other and that’s really what it’s all about, getting better together and making the team better. So definitely prepared for whatever situation that may present itself.”
The Browns said the magic words to Pickett when they told him what his role is here.
“A chance to compete to be the starter,” he said. “I mean, all you want is an opportunity. It doesn’t matter who else is in the room. All you can ask for is an opportunity. Then you got to go handle the rest.”
He’s well aware that the Browns might draft a QB at No. 2, and he’s up for the challenge.
“My job’s simple,” he said. “I just go play quarterback. There’s people that go make those decisions and I have no say in it. I really love my job and I wouldn’t trade my job. So I like to go out there, throw the football, compete like I said before. Whatever happens, happens, and I’m just excited to be here and go play.”
Depending on how things play out over the next few months, he just might get that chance.
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