The fight for the starting quarterback position remains open in the Cleveland Browns – or at least that’s what head coach Kevin Stefanski is saying. However, even if he doesn’t say it outright, it’s clear he already knows who he’ll go with for Week 1: one of the experienced options, either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett.
According to sportsbooks, Joe Flacco is the heavy favorite – even more so now after Kenny Pickett suffered an injury. Still, in recent days, there has been talk that Stefanski was beginning to favor Pickett and might end up choosing the former Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick. This quarterback saga still has many chapters left to unfold.
As for the rookies, it’s a tough road. But if there’s someone with a clear advantage, it’s Dillon Gabriel. The former Oregon Ducks quarterback was selected two rounds earlier than Shedeur Sanders and has had opportunities to train with the first team – something Sanders has not yet been able to do.
Kenny Pickett a trade candidate, according to insider
As mentioned above, multiple insiders – including Browns receiver Diontae Johnson – have revealed that Kenny Pickett was once considered the favorite to start in Cleveland. That raised eyebrows, considering that Joe Flacco, with his history on the team from 2023, seemingly has everything needed to secure the starting job.
Despite all this, Kristopher Knox, an analyst from Bleacher Report, believes that Pickett fits the profile of someone who could be traded if a deal is made. This is especially relevant because both the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts have coaches who know him.
“The Saints, who hired former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their head coach, should consider adding Pickett to their QB competition,” wrote Knox. “So should the Colts, who have former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as their head coach,” Knox added.
This makes sense, especially because it’s very rare for a team to carry four quarterbacks. Usually, two are kept on the active roster and one on the practice squad, so one would likely be the odd man out – unless the Browns decide to keep all four quarterbacks on the team. Ultimately, the decision will be up to Kevin Stefanski.
Read the full article here
