NFL Analyst Urges Browns Quarterback Trade

A convoluted quarterback situation has taken center stage during the Cleveland Browns offseason. The team essentially has five quarterbacks of note on the roster in a situation rarely seen elsewhere around the NFL. 

Cleveland's predicament stems from Deshaun Watson's Achilles injury that may keep him out for most if not all of the 2025 season. They did the reasonable thing in the offseason, adding two veterans capable of keeping this ship steady to either get them through the season or navigate things until his return. 

Heading into the draft, a flier on quarterback still made sense, looking to the years ahead when Watson ultimately leaves the team. Instead, the Browns picked two, stirring the pot with their selection of Shedeur Sanders. 

Amid this quarterback calamity, Joe Flacco is expected to hold the QB1 job come Week 1. But Flacco's placement and the same for the others will more than likely leave one as the odd man out. 

However, Ross Jackson of the Locked on Saints podcast has suggested another alternative for the Browns in trading one player to a team who could use the services. In his mind, Kenny Pickett makes the perfect target for the New Orleans Saints. 

“In a scenario in which the Saints get to the end of the preseason and decided they need a veteran quarterback in their building, I can absolutely see Kenny Pickett being a target," Jackson said. 

"No disrespect to Joe Flacco, but the reason why I like Kenny Pickett is because he has the connection to Kellen Moore, he played under Kellen Moore, and won under Kellen Moore."

That connection makes sense and a familiar veteran face would not hurt for the first-time head coach. Derek Carr's retirement has left the Saints in a somewhat unexpected bind, meaning Tyler Shough, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler are left to vie for the starting job. 

Shough has the most promise coming out of Louisville this year, but a veteran in the room would not hurt in the case of an injury or two. But does the move make sense for the Browns?

If Watson was a sure thing to return this season, that security would be not as much of a necessity. But if Flacco were to miss time, the Browns would theoretically be forced into inserting one of Sanders or Dillon Gabriel who may not be ready for this level just yet. 

At the right price, perhaps that idea is worth more entertainment. For now, Pickett serves as a fine safety net for Cleveland. While the Browns quarterback situation is pretty complicated at present, it makes some sense to keep it together until further notice.