Three years ago, it seemed like Kenny Pickett was the solution to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback woes post-Ben Roethlisberger. However, after just two seasons, his tenure came to a mercifully early end.
Now, he’s back in the AFC North—this time with the Cleveland Browns—and he’s ready for a fresh start.
Kenny Pickett Promises New Beginning With the Cleveland Browns
Pickett entered the NFL after an excellent final collegiate season. A four-year starter at Pittsburgh, he came alive in his final year, throwing for 4,319 yards, rushing for 233 more, and accounting for 47 touchdowns.
He won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year, and finished as a Heisman finalist. Coincidentally, he was drafted to the same city, as the Steelers selected him with the 20th overall pick.
As he joins the Browns, there’s a good chance he could be their Week 1 starter. Deshaun Watson is set to miss the entire season, and Cleveland may choose to build out the rest of the roster rather than draft a quarterback in 2025.
If Pickett does get the opportunity, he knows what’s at stake. “That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time,” he said. His main competition is veteran Joe Flacco, who led Cleveland to its last playoff appearance.
Pickett appears fully on board with the competition, saying, “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joe. I’ve been watching him since I was 10 years old. Total respect for Joe, what he’s done, and I’m excited to get to work with him, too.”
That’s a far cry from the mentality he had when he arrived in Pittsburgh. Ready to take over, Pickett was thrown into the deep end but ultimately couldn’t deliver. Over two seasons, he failed to surpass 2,500 passing yards or reach double-digit touchdowns.
As a result, his time with the Steelers ended early. He then joined the other team in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Eagles. As a backup, he won a Super Bowl—but now, he’s getting another shot at being a starter.
His mindset is clear as he begins his stint with the Browns. But in the end, production—not potential—is what will decide his future in the NFL. Pickett joins an offense without any consistent offensive weapons, so it could very easily be an uphill climb for him should he start.