Kenny Pickett, formerly the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Panthers, will begin the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season as the backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. On Monday, the Browns confirmed that veteran Joe Flacco will start the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. Pickett, affected by a mid-camp injury, is expected to back up Flacco in a quarterback room that also includes recent draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Kenny Pickett’s Journey to the Browns
Pickett’s move to Cleveland came through a March trade in which the Browns sent quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round draft pick to acquire him. Prior to joining the Browns, Pickett spent a season with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as a backup to star quarterback Jalen Hurts. Last season with the Eagles, Pickett appeared in five games and started once, leading the team to clinch the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC East title with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. In that critical game, he threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Career Overview and College Achievements
Selected 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett is entering his fourth professional season. His first two years with the Steelers were marked by some instability, but he managed to start most games in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. During his NFL career so far, Pickett has completed 471 of 755 pass attempts for 4,765 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, compiling a 15-10 record over 25 starts.
Before the NFL, Pickett had one of the most distinguished quarterback careers in Pittsburgh Panthers history. In his senior year, he completed 334 of 497 passes for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, while also contributing 241 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. His records include leading Pitt all-time in completions, passing yards, total offense, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns responsible for. He also holds the program record for most wins by a starter at 32 and capped his college career with Pitt’s first ACC championship against Wake Forest.
Pickett finished his college career with totals of 12,303 passing yards and 81 passing touchdowns, along with 809 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
Browns’ Confidence in Pickett’s Potential
Although Pickett will not open the season as the starting quarterback with 40-year-old Joe Flacco taking the helm, the Browns see promise in his potential. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback coach Bill Musgrave have praised Pickett’s offseason work, highlighting his combination of youth and experience. His presence offers the Browns a reliable and capable option should Flacco’s role be challenged during the season.
What Lies Ahead for Kenny Pickett and the Browns
As the 2025 season kicks off, Pickett faces the challenge of proving himself behind a seasoned starter while staying healthy after injury setbacks. With competition from newcomers like Sanders and Gabriel, Pickett’s performance during practices and any in-game opportunities will be closely watched. For the Browns, balancing experience with developing talent at quarterback will be crucial as they aim for a competitive season.
Pickett’s journey—from his record-breaking days at Pitt, through a turbulent start in the NFL, to his new role with the Browns—underscores the determination and adaptability he brings to the team. His backup quarterback position not only secures a role in a key position but also sets the stage for possible opportunities as the season unfolds.