NFL

Browns Quarterbacks: Cleveland Won’t Exercise Kenny Pickett’s fifth-year option

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published28 Apr 2025

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett puts his arm up.

One of the most fascinating QB rooms in the NFL belongs to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns announced their decision on whether to pick up quarterback Kenny Pickett’s fifth-year option.

Kenny Pickett Fifth-Year Option Decision

When it comes to the fifth-year option for Pickett, it’s going to be a no.

Per Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns will not exercise Pickett’s fifth-year option. Pickett has one final year remaining on his rookie deal and will earn a fully guaranteed salary of $2.6 million.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pickett went 14-10 as the starter in two seasons with the Steelers. Pickett’s production was inconsistent, throwing 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions with a 62.6% completion percentage.

Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain late in the 2023 season. Mason Rudolph replaced Pickett and led the team to the postseason. Pickett was demoted to backup duties by the end of 2023.

In March 2024, the Steelers traded Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks.

Pickett became the backup quarterback for Jalen Hurts, who led the team to a victory in Super Bowl LIX.

Last month, the Eagles traded Pickett to the Browns for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Browns Quarterback Situation

Pickett is one of the five quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster.

Deshaun Watson likely played his last snap for the Browns after rupturing his Achilles. Watson will likely miss most of the 2025 season.

After signing Watson to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, Cleveland still owes the quarterback $46 million in each of the next two seasons.

The Browns signed veteran Joe Flacco to a one-year deal earlier this offseason. Flacco won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award and led the Browns to the postseason in 2023.

The Browns twice addressed the quarterback position in this year’s draft.

Cleveland selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round.