Browns QB Expected to Request Trade After Struggles in Training Camp
As training camp approaches its third week, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is beginning to take shape—but one of the quarterbacks may not be happy with where he stands.
It took some time, but the Browns’ QB rotation is finally becoming clearer ahead of their preseason Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the offseason, the team brought in four quarterbacks to compete for the starting role vacated by Deshaun Watson, who will miss the entire 2025 season due to a ruptured Achilles sustained twice last year.
The contenders include free-agent signing Joe Flacco, trade acquisition Kenny Pickett, and draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Initially, Flacco and Pickett were considered the most likely candidates to start Week 1 due to their NFL experience. However, as training camp and preseason progress, Pickett’s stock has significantly dropped. He has failed to stand out during practices and suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers and will keep him out for the second game against the Eagles. Given the ground he’s already lost, Pickett may no longer be in the running to start for the Browns in Week 1—and he might not even be their backup quarterback.
Pickett Could Seek Trade for Fresh Opportunity
With Shedeur Sanders impressing in his preseason opportunities and the coaching staff heavily invested in third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, Pickett might end up at the bottom of the Browns’ quarterback depth chart. Joe Flacco is already in place as the veteran leader, starter, and mentor to the younger quarterbacks, which could leave Pickett in a tough spot if he doesn’t secure the starting job. Considering his ongoing hamstring issues, it might be in Pickett’s best interest to explore trade options and seek a new opportunity.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay predicts that Pickett, a former 20th-overall pick, will likely request a trade before the end of training camp. He notes that Pickett initially joined Cleveland with hopes of competing for the starting role, and with the arrival of Flacco and the drafting of two rookies, those aspirations may have been dashed.
Kay also identified two potential trade destinations for Pickett: the Los Angeles Rams and the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams have quarterback uncertainties due to injuries to Anthony Richardson and Matthew Stafford, opening the door for a passer with starting experience like Pickett to step in.
Pickett is in the final year of his contract, though the Browns do have a team option for a fifth year. Trading him now would allow the team to recoup some of the value they lost when they acquired him and potentially ease the impact of their controversial decision to draft two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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