Browns QB Kenny Pickett Fires Off Shot at Hated Rival Steelers
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The rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers is alive and well. It is one of the most dynamic rivalries in the sports world and Kenny Pickett has now played for both teams in his short NFL career.
Pickett was acquired by the Browns in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career with the Steelers after being drafted with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Now, he's looking to compete for Cleveland's starting job.
Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Photo byHeading into training camp and preseason action, the Browns have five quarterbacks on their roster. Along with Pickett, the team has Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. He will be given every chance to prove what he's capable of and to push for playing time.
Read more: Browns' Shedeur Sanders Makes Major Statement in OTAs
With that being said, he spoke out during OTA's and took a shot at Pittsburgh.
While speaking about his time with the Eagles before being acquired by Cleveland, he noted that he learned how to do it right in Philadelphia, suggesting that he did not learn that during his two-year stretch with the Steelers.
"I'm extremely grateful for my time in Philly," Pickett said. "I think I was shown just how it's supposed to be done, really, from the top down. So, when you get a chance to see what it's supposed to look like, and how it should look on a day-to-day basis — and not just on Sundays — I think it'll pay dividends for me in the future."
Throughout his career to this point, Pickett has played in 30 games across three seasons. He has completed 62.4 percent of his pass attempts for 4,765 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Pickett has also racked up 306 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Read more: Joy Taylor Puts Steelers, Aaron Rodgers on Blast
At 26 years old, Pickett is looking to make a push with the Browns. He has a legitimate chance to win the Week 1 starting job if he can put together an impressive training camp and preseason.
Cleveland sought him out specifically in a trade with the Eagles. Andrew Berry and the front office clearly saw something they looked in Pickett.
He will also make himself loved within the Browns' fan base if he continues throwing subtle shots at the hated rivals.
For more Cleveland Browns and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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