Browns Seriously Believe They Can Do What The Steelers Couldn't With Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave up on Kenny Pickett after just two seasons, believing he wasn’t the long-term answer at quarterback. Despite moments of promise, his struggles with consistency and injuries led the team to move in a different direction. The Cleveland Browns, however, see things differently. They believe Pickett’s untapped potential can be developed in the right system, and they’re eager to see what he can become in Cleveland.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently shared on the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast that the team is genuinely excited about Pickett’s future. While Deshaun Watson remains injured and playing bad football when healthy, Cleveland’s coaching staff reportedly views Pickett as more than just a backup. They see him as a player with real upside, someone they can mold into a reliable option down the line. It appears Pickett has a very good chance at being the Browns starting quarterback in 2025. Making for some great drama as he could have a chance to get revenge on the Steelers at least two times in 2025.

Of course, the Steelers clearly didn’t think that upside was worth waiting for. Pickett will now have to prove that Pittsburgh gave up too soon, and if he ever gets another chance to start, he’ll need to take full advantage of it. The Browns are betting they can succeed where the Steelers couldn’t, but if they’re wrong, it’ll only justify why Pittsburgh moved on so quickly.

"I think that is the line of thinking for the Cleveland Browns," Cabot said. "When they get [Pickett] in their system, which as we know, quarterbacks usually fare very very well in this quarterback-friendly system, they see in Kenny Pickett, someone who can excel in this kind of system."

The Browns believe that Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks—aside from Watson. They’re reportedly confident that Pickett’s struggles in Pittsburgh had more to do with the situation than his actual ability. 

Cleveland sees an opportunity to unlock what the Steelers couldn’t, believing their roster provides a far better environment for his development.

"I do think that that’s part of the thinking," Cabot said. "Once he gets into this scheme with this offensive line and these skill players and a renewed commitment to the running game, and a good defense, that he’s going to fare much better. I do think that they believe there’s more to Kenny than he has been able to show so far and they believe they will bring it of him."

Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh ended far from the storybook journey many expected. While he had flashes of clutch play in big moments, injuries and a conservative playing style ultimately led the Steelers to move on. Whether his struggles were purely his fault or a combination of coaching, personnel, and a lack of trust remains debatable. 

Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Has A Real Chance To Make Pittsburgh Look Wrong Or Right

If Pickett gets a real opportunity in Cleveland, it could be the ultimate test of whether the Steelers made the right call—or a major mistake. Pittsburgh clearly didn’t see enough in two seasons to justify continuing his development, leading them to bring in outside competition. That decision didn’t sit well with Pickett, who felt blindsided and frustrated by how quickly the team gave up on him.

Pickett now has a chance to make the Steelers regret their decision. Reports suggest he left on bad terms, feeling that Mike Tomlin misled him about his future with the team. Starting in Cleveland could give him the ultimate shot at revenge, as he would face Pittsburgh twice a season beginning in 2025. If he wins the job, those matchups will be filled with drama, and Pickett would have every reason to try to prove his former team wrong.

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