NafisaSuddenly, the Cleveland Browns find themselves with a surplus of quarterbacks following the 2025 NFL Draft. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are anticipated to battle for the starting role, though the former Super Bowl MVP’s NFL track record significantly outweighs that of the former first-round selection.
Then there are developmental prospects like rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders. Deshaun Watson remains on the squad, but he’s not projected to take the field for Cleveland this year after suffering a second Achilles tear and undergoing another operation.
The Browns are unlikely to keep four quarterbacks (or five, if Watson is included) on the active roster when the 2025 NFL campaign begins. Releasing a rookie selected in the third or fifth round seems improbable, so who might be the odd man out?
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggests it could be Pickett—not only because Flacco could be favored to start, but also due to his connection with first-year New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints are still lacking a definitive starting quarterback, with their options being relatively untested in rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
“My own personal belief is that it’ll be Pickett. Possibly with a trade before camp opens. He has an affordable (as quarterbacks go) $2.6 million salary for 2025, and he spent 2024 with Saints coach Kellen Moore in Philly. Pickett could provide more of a veteran presence than the quarterback room currently has.” —PFT’s Mike Florio on Cleveland Browns trading Kenny Pickett.
As a result, Pickett might be a logical addition in New Orleans for the right value, particularly if they aim to add a touch more experience. Furthermore, it’s possible Pickett still has unrealized upside. After all, he was selected 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft for a reason.
Still, the Browns probably wouldn’t net much in return for dealing Pickett, whom they brought in for a fifth-round selection and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, they might retain Pickett through the preseason in hopes he performs well enough to enhance his trade value before executing a move.
Nafisa
