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4 hours ago
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The Cleveland Browns made a decision on Tuesday that continues to murky the waters at the quarterback position.
They declined Kenny Pickett's fifth-year option.
That means that Pickett will be under the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. He's joined by Joe Flacco on one-year contracts, while rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel each signed their four-year rookie deals.
The Browns traded for Pickett this offseason from the Eagles, and while the fifth-year option isn't cheap, it still would've given Cleveland a runway to see what they had with Pickett.
This decision shows they really have no hope of Pickett being their long-term answer at the position.
It actually makes more likely what NFL insider James Palmer said earlier in the day, that Pickett is the most likely candidate from the crowded QB depth chart to be released.
MORE: Jaguars' Travis Hunter trade is biggest move in franchise history
Pickett was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2022 season and actually had a 14-10 record in two seasons as their starter.
He spent 2024 with the Eagles, backing up Jalen Hurts on the way to a Super Bowl ring.
Now, Pickett came to Cleveland with the intent of winning a starting job.
That matter got more difficult at every step, from the addition of Flacco to the drafting of not one but two QBs.
Now, Pickett will be lucky to make the team. And his chances of showing well for himself before going to free agency seem lower than ever.
This situation won't be fully settled for a while in Cleveland.
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