The Cleveland Browns have declined to exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Kenny Pickett\'s rookie contract. The Browns would have been responsible for a $22.117 million salary for Pickett in 2026 had they picked up the option. This decision comes ahead of Thursday\'s deadline for teams to exercise options on 2022 first-round picks.
Pickett, 26, was acquired by Cleveland in March in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns sent a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to Philadelphia in the deal.
Originally selected 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, Pickett compiled a 14-10 record as a starter over his first two professional seasons before being traded to the Eagles last offseason.
In Philadelphia, Pickett served primarily as the backup to Jalen Hurts during the Eagles\' 2023 campaign, making just one start in Week 17, which he won.
Pickett is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a fully-guaranteed $2.6 million salary for the 2024 season, significantly less than what his fifth-year option would have cost.
The Browns have extensively rebuilt their quarterback room this offseason. In addition to acquiring Pickett, Cleveland signed veteran Joe Flacco and drafted two rookie quarterbacks - Dillon Gabriel (94th overall in the third round) and Shedeur Sanders (144th overall in the fifth round).
The quarterback additions come as starter Deshaun Watson is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season while recovering from a right Achilles tendon injury.
Kevin Stefanski has stated that all quarterbacks on the roster will be expected to compete for the starting position.