It really isn’t difficult to figure out the Browns 2025 quarterback situation. When the team starts training camp later this month, the picture will quickly become clearer. Right now, the Cleveland media is really upset they have to wait. Let’s clear some erroneous reporting (clickbait). I’ll start with the notion Browns GM Andrew Berry will decide the starter. His contract clearly states he will pick the 53-man roster and head coach Kevin Stefanski contract clearly states he picks who plays on gameday. It’s been this way since they were hired and with their contract extensions. The owner makes no decisions, nor does the Chief Strategy Officer, not with this front office. Has the owner meddled in the past (Johnny Manzel), yes. The Watson trade was a cooperate effort, they all agreed a better QB was needed prior to the 2022 season. Yes, Haslam said the final buck rests with him because he writes the checks for the bucks. End of story. If you still don’t believe me, then prove it with facts not hearsay, rumors or conspiracy theories. Don’t bring up Tony Grossi’s article about Paul Depodesta, because that story disappeared quicker than the 2024 offense.
Some members of the local media are further debasing themselves by telling the fans Kenny Pickett will start because Andrew Berry wants him to start. They’re basing their theory on a feeling. Honest to God that’s what one said this morning. Based on a feeling. I have a feeling if the Guardians were playing better or the Cavs had made it to the NBA Finals, he wouldn’t have that feeling. Just an observation. Of course, his circular logic is they traded for Pickett, so Berry wants him to be the starter. Let’s go back in time to when the trade was made. At that time the Browns had a quarterback room consisting of a very injured Deshaun Watson and DTR. Yikes. No one knew if Kirk Cousins would be available. Sam Darnold would require a big contract. Russell Wilson was not an option and thank God Aaron Rogers wasn’t an option. As for the NFL Draft, at that time the consensus among draft experts was this was a bad quarterback draft and that has yet to be determined. Berry protected the team by trading for a former first round draft pick and getting rid of a former fifth-round draft pick. If Pickett can start, then so be it, but that will be determined in training camp and be decided by the head coach and the offensive coordinator. The same goes for Joe Flacco.
As for the Watson playing in 2025 fixation by another local reporter. It’s not going to happen. He tore his Achillies tendon not once but twice. I don’t give a damn how well he feels, the only reason he’s still on the roster is so they can dump him when his contract won’t hurt the team’s spending power and that’ll be the second day of the league in 2027. He’ll be a post June 1 cut so the team can spread his remaining contract over 2027 and 2028. For 2025, he’ll be placed on the PUP list and then transferred to the injured reserve. What they do with him in 2026 hasn’t been reveled yet, but I bet it will be creative.
Here’s what’s going to happen in my opinion. Pickett will get number one reps to start camp. Flacco doesn’t really need the early reps, he knows the offense. Besides, if Pickett looks good early, there’s a better chance they could trade him. All I know is what I’ve been told, the team is putting a priority on being successful in 2025. They don’t want either rookie to start and right now aren’t planning on starting either one. The Browns will play the best player that puts the team in a position to win on the field. That will be determined in training camp. I do know it will either be Flacco or Pickett. Stay safe and Go Browns.