Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Jake Haener

Sunday, April 13, 4:15 PM

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.

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.