Browns QB Surplus: Analyzing Potential Trade Partners for Kenny Pickett After Flacco’s Arrival

Browns QB Surplus: Analyzing Potential Trade Partners for Kenny Pickett After Flacco’s Arrival

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room has become a veritable quarterback convention. Following Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury last winter, the Browns have seemingly collected quarterbacks like rare trading cards. The Browns brought back veteran Joe Flacco, traded for Kenny Pickett, and drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With so many arms in Berea, the question isn’t just who will start, but who will stay? Could Kenny Pickett be on the move again?

The Flacco Factor: A Reunion Tour

Joe Flacco’s return to Cleveland on a one-year, $4 million deal (potentially reaching $13 million with incentives) throws another log onto the quarterback fire. The 40-year-old veteran, who earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2023 after leading the Browns to the playoffs, knows Kevin Stefanski’s system well. In 2023, Flacco became the first player in NFL history to record 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns in each of his first five games with a franchise. With Watson’s injury casting a shadow over the season, Flacco provides a reliable, experienced option to keep the Browns competitive.

Pickett’s Predicament: From Steeler to Brown… to Elsewhere?

Kenny Pickett’s arrival in Cleveland via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles was initially viewed as a potential fresh start for the former Steelers first-round pick. However, the subsequent additions of Gabriel and Sanders have muddied the waters considerably.

Pickett, entering his fourth NFL season, has a career record of 14-10 as a starter, with 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While he brings veteran experience, his performance hasn’t consistently matched his draft pedigree.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) has identified Pickett as the most likely quarterback to be traded, stating, “With Deshaun Watson likely out for all of 2025, the Browns added both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders with mid-round picks on top of signing veteran Joe Flacco. Even at 40, Flacco profiles as the likely starter. Cleveland could cut or trade either of its young arms, but Pickett seems the most probable to be both lower in the pecking order and dealt, given that he will be a free agent next offseason.”

Analyzing Potential Trade Destinations

If the Browns decide to move Pickett, several teams could be potential trade partners:

  1. New Orleans Saints: With Derek Carr’s future uncertain, the Saints could seek a young quarterback with starting experience. While they drafted Tyler Shough, Pickett could provide a more immediate option.

  2. Minnesota Vikings: After Kirk Cousins’ departure in 2024, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold. However, Pickett could offer a longer-term solution and a change of scenery could benefit the young quarterback.

  3. Atlanta Falcons: If the Falcons move on from Kirk Cousins, they might need a reliable backup. Pickett could be an ideal candidate to learn behind a veteran.

  4. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold in free agency after trading Geno Smith to the Raiders, but could still be looking for a young quarterback to develop behind Darnold.

  5. New York Giants: The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but could still draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pickett could provide a steady, veteran presence in the quarterback room.

The Draft Dynamic: Gabriel and Sanders

The Browns’ decision to draft Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders adds another layer of intrigue to the quarterback situation. Gabriel, known for his impressive college stats (18,722 passing yards and 155 total touchdowns), has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his processing speed and decision-making. Sanders, despite sliding to the fifth round, has flashed potential during OTAs and minicamp.

However, the presence of two rookies also raises questions about their immediate roles. NFL analyst Tony Grossi predicts the Browns’ initial depth chart will be Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders. The Browns have planned to use training camp to evaluate their four quarterbacks in Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, holding a true quarterback competition.

The Stefanski Factor: A Coach’s Dilemma

Kevin Stefanski faces a complex challenge in managing this crowded quarterback room. He must balance the need to find a reliable starter for the 2025 season with the long-term development of Gabriel and Sanders. Stefanski has stated that he has a plan in pencil, and will adjust based on how the quarterbacks handle certain situations.

The Trade Market: What’s Pickett Worth?

Kenny Pickett’s trade value is a subject of debate. Pro Football Network suggests the Browns might use Pickett as a trade piece to acquire a better quarterback, such as Kirk Cousins. However, given Pickett’s performance in Pittsburgh and the Browns’ current quarterback depth, his trade value might be limited to a mid-round pick.

Conclusion: A Waiting Game

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season. Joe Flacco’s return, Kenny Pickett’s uncertain future, and the arrival of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have created a quarterback surplus that needs to be addressed. While Pickett could be a valuable asset for a quarterback-needy team, the Browns must carefully weigh their options and determine the best course of action for both the short-term and long-term success of the franchise.