Browns Decline Kenny Pickett's Fifth-Year Option, Opening Competition

The Cleveland Browns have decided not to exercise quarterback Kenny Pickett's fifth-year option, making the upcoming season the final year of his rookie contract. Pickett, who was acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, will compete for the starting job against veteran Joe Flacco and recent draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, with Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury. The Browns' crowded quarterback room and decision not to guarantee Pickett a long-term role signals a lack of commitment to him as their future starter. This move opens the door for one of the younger quarterbacks, like Sanders or Gabriel, to potentially secure the starting role either this season or next. The decision to decline Pickett's $22 million option was largely expected, reflecting the team's ongoing uncertainty and search for clarity at the quarterback position. Despite his intentions to compete for the starting job, Pickett's future with the Browns beyond this season remains unclear.