The Cleveland Browns finally hit the golden buzzer in the 2025 NFL Draft. They landed two rookie quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, each signed for four years. But what about the existing ones? Well, as per reports, it seems the Browns forgot to notice Kenny Pickett’s needs this season, as the QB is set to compete with veteran Joe Flacco for 2025, with Deshaun Watson out indefinitely with a right Achilles tendon injury.

Kenny Pickett is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract. So, it was obvious for the reporters to ask GM Andrew Berry if the Browns needed to decide on Pickett’s fifth-year option. Hence, the question was asked, and Berry replied in a way that left fans scratching their heads.

During his press conference, Berry passed it off, saying that the decision should’ve been made by the Philadelphia Eagles last year. Wait, what? That’s absolutely incorrect. Here’s the truth – Kenny Pickett’s in year 4 now, and it’s absolutely Cleveland’s call to make. That option window is wide open, and it’s not something Philly ever had to worry about.

The whole mix-up made one thing clear: the Browns never intended to pick up the option. Still, you’d expect the GM to know the basics about a quarterback they just traded for. The Steelers drafted Pickett in 2022, meaning he’s now entering Year 4—the point when teams must decide on that expensive fifth-year option.

Philly traded him before reaching that decision, so the responsibility now falls to Cleveland. Simple. But Berry’s confusion only underscored the obvious—they were never planning to pick it up.

Kevin Stefanski and the team are clear on Kenny Pickett?

Kenny Pickett’s road in Cleveland just got a little bumpier. Kevin Stefanski’s Browns have officially decided not to pick up his fifth-year option, which would’ve cost them over $22 million. Well, not a surprise, considering he hasn’t met the snap-count or Pro Bowl criteria that would justify that kind of paycheck.

Right now, Pickett is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making a modest $2.6 million. But with Cleveland drafting two new quarterbacks and re-signing veteran Joe Flacco, Pickett’s fight for the starting job just got way more crowded. Still, he’s not backing down. He’s fired up, wants to compete, and says he’s not in Cleveland just to hang out.

On the other hand, the Browns are keeping the door open. They said it’s a clean slate and everyone’s got a chance. Kenny Pickett brings some experience, a winning record, and even a Super Bowl ring from his backup role with the Eagles. Now, he’s got the weapons, the coaching, and the fresh start he wanted. It’s on him to prove he belongs!