With the Cleveland Browns this year, nothing is certain. Just a month ago, reports claimed that Kenny Pickett had secured the starting quarterback role. But as days went by, insiders began to say otherwise-that the veteran Joe Flacco was the real favorite. Today, the only clear truth is that nothing is settled when it comes to the quarterback position.
As for the rookies, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, the consensus seems to be to hold off on any major expectations. Based on available reports and what’s been seen in camp, neither is likely to be seriously considered for the starting job, and Deion’s son may end up as the team’s odd man out.
Former NFL player Bryant McFadden commented on the current atmosphere in Cleveland:
It’s safe to say this will be a rebuild type of year for the Cleveland Browns… Because they have so many question marks concerning the team, especially on the offensive side. But hopefully throughout this season, some of those questions can be answered.
He made those remarks on The Fan 92.3.
Kenny Pickett faces what may be his final NFL shot
The quarterback, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and more recently the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, where he saw action in just three plays to run out the clock-may now be facing the final opportunity of his career, this time with the Cleveland Browns.
Since arriving in the NFL, Pickett has played in 30 games, starting 25 of them. Across those appearances, he has recorded 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His numbers don’t paint the picture of a high-performing QB, reflected in his 79.3 passer rating. On the ground, he’s added 306 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
During his single year with the Eagles, he managed 291 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Now entering his fifth NFL season, the pressure is on Pickett to prove that he still has what it takes. If he doesn’t perform in this new chapter with Cleveland, it’s likely the end of the road.
Is there any chance Kenny Pickett can be one of those answers? Yeah, he has a shot,” McFadden conceded. “I don’t see why not. It’s a wide-open competition.
But that chance comes with a harsh reality: “For Kenny Pickett to be able to capitalize on that shot, he has to play better football than he’s ever played in his professional life, in my opinion.” Kevin Stefanski’s praise
In this rare four-man quarterback battle unfolding in Cleveland, Kevin Stefanski appears to have a favorite. He’s praised Pickett, calling him a “gym rat” who works “extremely hard.”
Still, Stefanski is not in the business of handing out compliments with the preseason approaching. Every quarterback must prove themselves to earn the starting job.
Hey, there’s no expectations for anyone that’s competing for that QB one job in Cleveland. Let’s keep it real,” McFadden added. “So either guy, all the guys should be extremely comfortable because they’re walking into a situation where no one is expecting them to play like Pat Mahomes. No one is expecting him to lead like Josh Allen. So just be comfortable and take advantage.
For now, the battle is underway-and the one with the most hunger will win. Everything points to this being a rebuilding year for the Browns.
Read the full article here
