The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with one of the most crowded quarterback rooms in recent memory: incumbent Deshaun Watson (recovering from injury), veteran Joe Flacco, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and two rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
With so many players vying for reps, Pickett‘s path is murkier than ever.
Once viewed as a potential long-term starter, Pickett is now facing a shifting fate. Cleveland declined his fifth-year option, meaning he’ll earn $2.62 million in 2025 and enters free agency in 2026.
That move sends a clear signal: his position is far from secure. NFL analysts like Mike Florio expect Pickett could be on the move if Gabriel and Sanders impress at camp.
A QB room in flux
Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders‘ son, was a surprise fifth-round pick (144th overall), but his hype hasn’t been diminished. The Browns traded up to select him, signaling long-term interest. Sanders stays focused on self-improvement, stating: “Just focus on myself and what I need to do to get better, and any areas you know I’m lacking in.”
Against this backdrop, Pickett pushed back on media narratives about tension in the QB room: “When you’re daytoday, you’re in meetings with these guys… of course, we’re all competing, but you become friends… I think it’s a great media headline, but… we’re just pushing each other.”
Nevertheless, the reality within the organization is stark. Browns GM Andrew Berry has affirmed that there are too many quarterbacks and hinted someone could be moved.
As noted by NFL insider James Palmer: “Kenny Pickett is going to have to beat out the other two [Gabriel and Sanders], clearly beat them out to stay on the roster, most likely.”
The impending cut or trade
Browns draft picks are rarely wasted, and third-rounder Dillon Gabriel will likely receive ample opportunities. Sanders, with his lineage and talent, presents high upside.
As ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi points out, coach Kevin Stefanski views quarterback evaluation as “allencompassing,” keeping the door open for any contender.
Analysts predict that once camp begins, roster decisions will follow swiftly. Tony Grossi bluntly stated: “Someone’s got to walk… In order for Pickett to be traded, Shedeur and Dillon Gabriel have to look good…”
Meanwhile, legendary NFL journalist Mike Florio predicted Pickett will be out, allowing a room of Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders.
Overall, Pickett’s future in Cleveland may be short-lived. With stacking talent ahead of him and a declining financial commitment from the team, it appears he may be sliding into a supplemental role, or moving on entirely.
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