Kenny Pickett, recently acquired by the Cleveland Browns in a trade this offseason, remains a significant figure amid growing Kenny Pickett Browns trade rumors. Despite doubts about his long-term future with the Browns, Pickett is viewed as a valuable asset who could attract interest from teams looking to strengthen their quarterback options. This includes the New Orleans Saints, where head coach Kellen Moore, Pickett’s former offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Browns radio analyst Nathan Zegura suggested the Saints might consider reconnecting with Pickett if their current quarterback setup does not meet expectations.
“Probably at this point, Kenny Pickett,”
Zegura said when asked which quarterback could generate the most trade value.
“He’s a former first-round pick, he is young, and went 15-10 as a starter. It would be interesting, for example, if down in New Orleans — Kellen Moore was just with him in Philly — said that it’s not working out with Tyler Shough, maybe we need to bring him down here to be the starter and see what he has.”
—Nathan Zegura, Browns Radio Analyst
Kenny Pickett’s Ongoing Competition for Starting Role in Cleveland
Despite his trade value, Pickett remains in the running to start for the Browns this season. Zegura noted Pickett’s upside and competitive advantage, especially compared to his NFL peers who have found success after multiple team changes, such as Sam Darnold.
“From the Browns’ standpoint, No. 1, you are trying to win games this year. Kenny Pickett has been a winning quarterback in this division and the National Football League,”
Zegura said.
“Certainly, there’s a reason he’s now on his third team, but we’ve seen guys bounce around and have a career resurgence.”
—Nathan Zegura, Browns Radio Analyst
Currently, Pickett is competing with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as well as veteran Joe Flacco, for the Browns’ starting quarterback position. Flacco, who turned 40 this year, earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2023, leading Cleveland to the playoffs with a 4-1 record as a starter and throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns through that stretch.
However, NFL Network analyst Gregg Rosenthal contested Pickett’s potential compared to his competition, emphasizing Flacco’s edge.
“The Eagles essentially gave Kenny Pickett away,”
Rosenthal said.
“If we’re going to spend this whole offseason saying Howie Roseman is the best general manager in the game — and they could certainly use a good backup at a low price — and he basically decided to give Kenny Pickett away because Tanner McKee is a better quarterback than he is…”
Rosenthal further predicted the likely quarterback hierarchy in Cleveland, stating,
“Ultimately, I think Joe Flacco is going to be a better quarterback than [Pickett], and Shedeur Sanders will wind up being a backup or a third-string quarterback.”
—Gregg Rosenthal, NFL Network Analyst
Browns Continue Evaluations Ahead of Training Camp
The Browns have kept all four quarterbacks actively involved in offseason practices, with reps split evenly during OTAs and minicamp, emphasizing the ongoing competition for the starting role. While the team is assessing their quarterback room, head coach Kevin Stefanski remains cautious, focusing on preparation rather than early decisions.
“We’re so far away from that type of thought process,”
Stefanski said during minicamp.
“Honestly, we’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason; it’s OTAs, so we’re going to keep the focus there. Once you get into training camp, of course, you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready for the season. But right now that’s not our focus.”
—Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns Head Coach
The Browns will need to finalize their quarterback depth chart when training camp begins on July 22. Cleveland’s preseason campaign is scheduled to start on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers, adding urgency to these ongoing evaluations.
Implications for Pickett and the Browns Going Forward
Kenny Pickett’s future with the Browns remains uncertain amid the competitive quarterback room and external trade interest, particularly from the Saints. His status as a former first-round pick combined with his past winning record keeps him in the conversation, but he must continue to prove his value on the field to secure a lasting role. Meanwhile, the Browns’ cautious approach under Stefanski suggests the quarterback landscape could shift dramatically by training camp’s start.
The potential reunion with Kellen Moore in New Orleans adds an intriguing layer to the trade rumors surrounding Pickett. Should the Saints face challenges with their current quarterbacks, bringing Pickett onboard could offer a fresh opportunity for the young signal-caller to revitalize his career. For Cleveland, the decision will ultimately revolve around balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term development as the 2024 season approaches.