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. 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.

The Browns are declining Pickett's fifth-year option, per Cleveland.com. As a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Pickett had a 2026 club option that would have paid him what is projected to be a fully-guaranteed $22,

With a crowded quarterback room, the Cleveland Browns are declining a $22.117M fifth-year option salary for quarterback Kenny Pickett in 2026 according to Cleve