Browns' Stefanski: 'We believe in' Pickett
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that the team could still add to its quarterback room, but noted the franchise has faith in Kenny Pickett.
"I feel good (about our quarterback room)," Stefanski said Monday at the AFC coaches breakfast of the NFL's Annual League Meeting, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "Obviously, it's March 31st, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1st. I will say this: Kenny Pickett's a guy that I believe in, that we believe in."
The Browns traded quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Pickett in March. Pickett spent one season as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia after struggling as the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary starter in 2022 and 2023.
Pickett is currently projected to be the team's Week 1 starter with Deshaun Watson likely to be sidelined for a prolonged period. Watson struggled during the 2024 campaign before sustaining a season-ending Achilles tear. He could miss the entirety of the 2025 campaign after tearing the tendon again during the rehab process.
The Browns also own the No. 2 pick in April's draft and could use the selection on a signal-caller.
Pickett appeared in five regular-season games (one start) with the Eagles. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception with the club. The 26-year-old has thrown for 4,765 yards with 15 touchdowns against 14 interceptions in 30 outings since being selected 20th overall in the 2022 draft.