Kenny Pickett has emerged as a frontrunner in the Cleveland Browns' quest for a starting quarterback for the 2025 season, as reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Cabot noted that Pickett is 'for all intents and purposes, in the lead' on Cleveland's depth chart, ahead of Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.

Currently, Sanders occupies the position of the fourth-string quarterback and did not participate in any 11-on-11 drills during Wednesday’s practice session, according to Cabot. The early positioning of Pickett as a top candidate is somewhat unexpected since Flacco initially took first-team reps during Wednesday’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Given the Browns' need for seasoned players, both Pickett and Flacco are positioned favorably compared to their competitors, particularly as Gabriel and Sanders were drafted in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Browns acquired Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 12, giving up Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round draft choice in the process. Initially, Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite high expectations, Pickett's performance in Pittsburgh saw him complete 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, with a record of 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions over 25 games. He was traded to the Eagles in March 2024, serving as a backup to Jalen Hurts on a team that ultimately captured Super Bowl LIX. Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Pickett expressed gratitude, stating that it provided insight into high-level execution both on and off the field. While head coach Kevin Stefanski may take time to finalize a starting decision ahead of Week 1, it appears Pickett is making a strong impression during OTAs.