Kenny Pickett: Time in Philadelphia Gave Me a Clear Picture of Professional Standards

 Kenny Pickett spent last season as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia, enjoying a Super Bowl-winning campaign. Now, as he enters a quarterback competition in Cleveland, the former 2022 first-round pick says his time with the Eagles has prepared him to take on a starting role again.

"I'm really thankful for my time in Philly," Pickett said Wednesday, according to the Browns' official transcript. "I got to see how a successful operation works from top to bottom. Witnessing that on a daily basis—not just during games—will definitely benefit me moving forward."

Though Pickett didn't reference his time in Pittsburgh, some might interpret his remarks as indirect criticism of the Steelers’ system under Mike Tomlin. Still, it's common for young quarterbacks to need time away to grow and adapt. Pickett, drafted high in a weak quarterback class, struggled in a disjointed Pittsburgh offense. His experience in Philadelphia might better be seen as an endorsement of Hurts’ leadership—Hurts, after all, grew up with a coach for a father—rather than a knock on his former team.

Kenny Pickett is aiming to apply what he learned during his time in Philadelphia as he competes for the starting quarterback job in Cleveland. He’s vying for the position alongside veteran Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While the Browns have just begun organized team activities (OTAs), and the competition is still in its early stages, Pickett emphasized there's no tension among the quarterbacks.

"I think the outside world tends to blow it out of proportion," Pickett said. "When you're around these guys every day—in meetings and at practice—you form friendships. Sure, we're all competing, but we also help each other. There’s honest, open communication in the quarterback room, and that helps everyone improve. Media might focus on the competition, but inside the building, it's more about camaraderie."

Although Flacco’s familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system could give him an advantage, the starting job remains up for grabs. Pickett, for his part, is staying focused on his personal approach.

"I’ve always prepared as if I were the starter, no matter where I stood on the depth chart," he said. "That mindset served me well in Philly, where I stayed ready in case I was called upon. I'm bringing that same mentality to Cleveland—preparing every day like I’m the starter. That way, when the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready. It’s just how I’ve always approached the game."

What are your thoughts  on this article?