On Saturday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the plan is for him to be the team's starting quarterback in 2025. "I'm not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I'm excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time." Pickett looked to be on his way to the starting gig with the news that teammate Deshaun Watson (Achilles) could miss all of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon again. Now, he'll incur some competition courtesy of veteran Joe Flacco. The 26-year-old struggled during his two-year stint as a Steeler but gained valuable experience with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run in 2024. Pickett will be awarded the starting job if he can beat out the aging veteran. Still, it isn't a foregone conclusion that the Browns won't continue to add arms with uncertainty surrounding Watson's status. The Cleveland QB situation will be one to monitor.
Apr 13, 2025 4:15 PM EST
When asked about the team's current quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "I feel good. Obviously it's March 31, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1. I will say this: Kenny Pickett's a guy that I believe in, that we believe in. So we'll see how it all shakes out." A lot can still happen between now and this month's NFL draft, including a potential trade for Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, but we find it hard to believe that Cleveland would be happy going into Week 1 of the 2025 season this fall with Pickett as their starter. The team is saying they won't trade up to No. 1 overall to select Miami QB Cam Ward in the draft, but it would be a surprise if they don't take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall or another signal-caller later in the first round if they trade back. At the very least, though, Pickett, a former first-rounder, should have a chance to compete for the starting gig this summer.
Apr 2, 2025 10:54 AM EST
Veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Cleveland Browns this week in a deal that sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson to Philly. Pickett is now back in the AFC North after spending his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former first-round pick said he views himself as a starter with his new organization. The 26-year-old has a 15-10 record as a starter behind 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions with the Steelers and Eagles. With Deshaun Watson (Achilles) unlikely to play in 2025, there's a real chance Pickett will compete for the starting job, but the Browns are likely to add more competition via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mar 13, 2025 2:37 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns are acquiring quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday in exchange for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round draft pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. With Deshaun Watson (Achilles) unlikely to be ready to play at all in 2025 after suffering a setback with his torn Achilles, Pickett is expected to compete for the starting job in Cleveland this summer in training camp and the preseason. Veteran Jameis Winston made starts for the Browns after Watson went down last year, but he's an unrestricted free agent and isn't expected to return. Cleveland could add another veteran QB via trade or free agency to compete with Pickett, but they are also fully expected to draft one with the No. 2 overall pick in April. Pickett, a former first-rounder by the Steelers, has thrown 15 TDs and 14 interceptions in his 30 games (25 starts) in his first three years. He'd be a low-end QB2 option in superflex leagues if he's starting for the Browns in 2025.
Mar 10, 2025 6:07 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited in practice all week but was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will be available for Sunday's wild-card matchup against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) was also cleared from the league's concussion protocol after he missed the final two games of the regular season, so Pickett will be back as Hurts' backup this weekend. Obviously, Pickett won't have any fantasy value whatsoever in the playoffs unless Hurts is injured again. The 26-year-old former Pittsburgh Steelers QB suffered broken ribs in Week 16's loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was pulled from his start in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys before not playing in Week 18. In his five games (one start) in 2024, Pickett went 25-for-42 with 291 yards, two TDs and one interception.
Jan 10, 2025 6:32 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited in practice for the second day this week on Thursday. Pickett suffered fractured ribs while filling in for the injured Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and made the start in Week 17, but he gave way to third-stringer Tanner McKee in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Hurts returned to a full practice on Thursday and is on pace to return this Sunday for the wild-card playoff game against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but it remains to be seen if Pickett will be healthy enough to serve as Hurts' backup. The 26-year-old is unlikely to carry any fantasy value into the postseason unless Hurts suffers another injury. The former first-rounder saw action in five games (one start) in his first year in Philly in 2024 and went 25-for-42 for 291 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Jan 9, 2025 6:19 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Pickett suffered a rib injury in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders after he filled in for Jalen Hurts (concussion/left finger) when Hurts left the game early. Pickett proceeded to aggravate the injury in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hurts returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday which suggests that he is on track to play this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. However, Pickett's participation in practice at least provides the Eagles with a path towards a potential backup plan should Hurts miss this game or be knocked out of the game once again. Hopefully, both quarterbacks will be healthy enough to suit up this weekend and provide the Eagles with the depth they need.
Jan 8, 2025 6:23 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee will start against the New York Giants in Week 18 despite Kenny Pickett (ribs) being active, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Pickett and Ian Book will handle depth roles for the Eagles on Sunday, though it's unclear which quarterback is the backup and which is the third-string. McKee got his first taste of NFL action last weekend, coming off the bench to throw three completions for 54 yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia fed Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell in that contest, but they might let McKee throw a little more this weekend with Barkley (coach's decision) inactive. Of course, A.J. Brown (coach's decision) and DeVonta Smith (coach's decision) are also resting, leaving Dallas Goedert, Jahan Dotson, and Johnny Wilson as McKee's top targets. The second-year signal-caller out of Stanford ranks as a mid-range QB3 for fantasy purposes.
Jan 5, 2025 11:43 AM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Pickett suffered a ribs injury in relief of Jalen Hurts (concussion) in Week 16. Pickett received the start last week, but only made it through three quarters before exiting due to his ribs issue. Pickett hasn't practiced this week and won't suit up for the regular season finale. That means, Tanner McKee will be under center with a majority of the Eagles backups playing on Sunday.
Jan 5, 2025 9:17 AM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice all week but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason picture, so their main priority this weekend is getting their QB room healthy. Starter Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) will miss his second straight game, so if Pickett is unavailable, the Eagles will be down to third-stringer Tanner McKee. McKee is planning to make the start, so if the 26-year-old Pickett ends up being active on Sunday, it will likely be in a backup role. Fantasy managers still playing for a championship in Week 18 should just avoid Philly's offense as a whole. If Pickett is ruled out, Ian Book would be the backup for McKee.
Jan 3, 2025 6:10 PM EST
According to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer.com, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was not seen at Thursday's practice. Pickett was also not practicing on Wednesday which puts him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's session as he will likely carry an injury designation. Pickett exited last weekend's game early with a rib injury. Tanner McKee entered the game in relief. With Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the league's protocol, this could leave McKee and Ian Book as the only available quarterbacks in their final game of the regular season. McKee performed well in his small stint as he went 3-for-4 with 54 yards and two scores in relief last weekend in their victory over the Cowboys. He would be viewed as a risky QB2 if given the start on Sunday.
Jan 2, 2025 3:22 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice in the team's first session of the week on Wednesday. Pickett is dealing with broken ribs and was forced from the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee. The Eagles are already locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, and head coach Nick Sirianni has confirmed that he plans to rest starts in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, including running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion), who was inactive last week. The 26-year-old Pickett's availability is in question, but if we had to guess right now, we'd be surprised if Pickett plays. McKee did throw two touchdowns in mop-up duty last week, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Philly's offense in Week 18.
Jan 1, 2025 6:05 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs), who made the start in place of the injured Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, came into the game with broken ribs. Pickett played through the injury but then aggravated his ribs late in the second half and was pulled in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee, who tossed two touchdowns himself. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC now and have nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, which means Pickett's status becomes more important. The Eagles will likely rest Hurts, who is dealing with a broken finger on his left (non-throwing) hand in addition to his concussion. If Pickett cannot play next Sunday, McKee could be in line to make his first NFL start in the regular-season finale.
Dec 30, 2024 12:07 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in the team's dominant 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He added three rushing attempts for three yards and a rushing touchdown before exiting the game in the third quarter with a rib injury. Pickett's fantasy output was decent thanks to Dallas providing open gaps throughout the game; however, he finished near the bottom of quarterbacks this week. After his exit, backup Tanner McKee threw two touchdown passes to seal the victory. Heading into Week 18 against the New York Giants, the Eagles will hope Jalen Hurts clears concussion protocol and returns under center to lead the team into the postseason.
Dec 29, 2024 9:14 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. He took a hit while throwing a pass, went to the sideline in visible pain, and then went to the locker room with medical personnel. At the time of his departure, he had completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown. With Jalen Hurts (concussion) also sidelined, the Eagles will now turn to third-string quarterback Tanner McKee to lead their offense until Pickett can return. A second-year Stanford product, McKee has never played a regular-season snap in the NFL.
Dec 29, 2024 3:08 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Meanwhile, starter Jalen Hurts (concussion) missed his second straight day of practice this week. Pickett said he doesn't expect to have any limitations for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. "Something I'll have to deal with," Pickett said. The former Steelers QB could have to deal with it in his first start of the season if Hurts is eventually ruled out with his concussion. The 26-year-old wasn't terrible in relief of Hurts last week, but he wasn't able to lead the team to a win against the division-rival Washington Commanders, going 14-for-24 for 143 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Pickett shouldn't be considered as anything more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's forced to start, but he at least has some high-end offensive weapons to work with.
Dec 26, 2024 6:39 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) underwent X-rays on his ribs after the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. Pickett was forced into action on Sunday when starter Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion and didn't return to the game. The 26-year-old former Steeler went 14-for-24 for 143 yards with a touchdown and interception in the loss. With both Hurts and Pickett now up in the air to play in Week 17 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, it's possible the Eagles will have to rely on third-stringer Tanner McKee as the starter this weekend under center. That would obviously be a very bad situation for fantasy managers counting on running back Saquon Barkley or receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. We'll be keeping a close eye on Philly's QB situation leading up to Sunday's contest.
Dec 24, 2024 1:31 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception off 14-for-24 passing in Sunday's loss to the Commanders. He added three carries for 13 yards. Jalen Hurts (concussion) was hurt in the first quarter and didn't return. Although Pickett got off to a strong start after taking over, finding A.J. Brown for a touchdown, he cooled off for the remainder of the contest. Hurts isn't a lock to return in Week 17 versus the Cowboys, so the former Steeler could find himself back under center. However, with most fantasy leagues in the championship round, Pickett would be too risky to start in any fantasy format.
Dec 22, 2024 5:20 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed six of nine passes for 58 yards during the team's 3-26 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The former first-round pick played the entire first half and ended the preseason with his third-straight underwhelming performance. While Pickett has started all three preseason games and has not played with any of the starting receiving corps, he has done little to nothing. While third-string quarterback Tanner McKee had a poor performance as well Saturday, he has looked much better this preseason and has made a strong case to be the No. 2 option behind starter Jalen Hurts. Because the Eagles made a trade for him this offseason, the 26-year-old will likely be the backup come Week 1. With that said, McKee is a name to watch this upcoming week.
Aug 24, 2024 9:20 PM EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards and added two carries for six yards during the team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick started the game with a quick three-and-out but led the offense down the field for a field goal on the second drive. Pickett was sacked three times on his second-to-last drive and was taken out at the start of the second half for Tanner McKee. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.2 yards per completion through two starts and has done little to impress, although he has played with no starting receiver thus far. McKee had a solid night and was getting more second-team reps this past week in practice, but there is little doubt that Pickett will head into the regular season as the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett will play against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday, but may not get the start if the starters see action for the first time this preseason.
Aug 15, 2024 10:04 PM EST