Kenny Pickett is reportedly in a favorable position in the ongoing competition for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback role for the 2025 NFL season. According to information shared by Mary Kay Cabot of Moneyline, Pickett is described as being 'in the lead' on Cleveland's depth chart, edging out contenders such as Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. This insight emerged during Cabot's appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

As of the latest practices, Shedeur Sanders is positioned as the Browns' fourth-string quarterback and did not partake in any 11-on-11 drills during Wednesday's practice session, as reported by Cabot. The current dynamics of the quarterback battle are notable since Flacco began the Wednesday organized team activities (OTAs) by taking first-team snaps under center, making Pickett’s early status as a frontrunner quite surprising. If the Browns prioritize experience in selecting a Week 1 starter, both Pickett and Flacco are likely to hold an edge over their younger counterparts.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the third and fifth rounds, respectively. Pickett was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, which involved sending Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round draft choice to Philadelphia. Previously, Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His time in Pittsburgh was marked by a struggle to meet expectations, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions over 25 games. In March 2024, he was traded to the Eagles, where he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts on a team that ultimately secured victory in Super Bowl LIX. Reflecting on his experience in Philadelphia, Pickett expressed gratitude for the insight gained during his time there, indicating it has prepared him for future success.