Determination of Kenny Pickett to secure starting quarterback position for Cleveland Browns despite his recent hamstring setback
The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, and the quarterback position is shaping up to be an intriguing battle. Veteran Joe Flacco, an 18-year NFL veteran, is currently the frontrunner, but Kenny Pickett, a promising young talent, is pushing him hard for the starting spot.
Pickett, a first-round draft pick in 2022, spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started for two seasons, amassing a record of 7-5. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, where he made one start as Jalen Hurts' backup, winning the game.
Now, Pickett finds himself in Cleveland, competing for a backup role behind Flacco due to recent team acquisitions. However, his determination to reclaim a starting position in the NFL is evident. He has been working diligently to return from a hamstring injury as quickly as possible, with an estimated return date of August 16, 2025.
Coach Kevin Stefanski has been impressed with Pickett's performance during the first block of training camp practices, specifically praising his mobility. This trait could give Pickett an edge over Flacco, who is known for his pocket passing style.
The Browns' depth chart at quarterback also includes rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, adding another layer of competition. Despite the stiff competition, Pickett remains focused on securing the starting quarterback job.
With two more practices in Cleveland before traveling to Charlotte for joint practices with the Panthers, the race to become the Browns' starting quarterback is heating up. The preseason game against the Panthers will provide a valuable opportunity for all quarterbacks to showcase their skills and potentially secure their spot on the roster.
Sources: FantasyData, Covers.com, RotoWire, NFL.com.
[1] FantasyData. (2025). Kenny Pickett 2025 Stats. [online] Available at: https://www.fantasydata.com/nfl/player/Kenny-Pickett/2025/stats
[2] Covers.com. (2025). Kenny Pickett Injury Report. [online] Available at: https://www.covers.com/nfl/player/Kenny-Pickett/4694595/injury-report
[3] RotoWire. (2025). Kenny Pickett Profile. [online] Available at: https://www.rotowire.com/football/players/791544-kenny-pickett/
[4] NFL.com. (2025). Kenny Pickett Game Highlights. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000001123342/Kenny-Pickett-2024-season-highlights-with-Eagles
The news about the Cleveland Browns' quarterback position reveals an intriguing battle between Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, the latter being a former first-round draft pick who spent part of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. Even though Pickett is currently competing for a backup role due to team acquisitions, he's determined to earn a starting position in the NFL once more. His mobility during training camp practices has caught Coach Kevin Stefanski's attention, potentially giving him an edge over Flacco. The upcoming preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 8 will be crucial for all quarterbacks, including Pickett, as they strive to secure their spot on the roster.
