NFL Rumors: Browns Still Seek Veteran QB After Kenny Pickett Trade with Eagles

The Cleveland Browns reportedly remain in the market for a veteran quarterback after trading for Kenny Pickett on Monday.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are "still in the hunt" for an experienced signal-caller that can compete for their starting quarterback position in 2025.

Cleveland sent passer Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round draft choice to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Pickett.

Deshaun Watson remains on the Browns' roster, but his long-term future with the team is uncertain. He'll miss the 2025 season after re-injuring his Achilles while attempting to recover from an initial Achilles tear that ended his 2024 campaign.

Pickett is currently atop Cleveland's depth chart with Watson hurt, but the front office is also expected to add a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

ESPN's Dan Graziano previously reported that the "overwhelming belief" around the league is that the Browns with select Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 2.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Cleveland was projected to add Ward with its top draft choice.

Among the veteran quarterbacks available for the Browns, Zac Jackson of The Athletic predicted that the team ends up with former Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Kirk Cousins.

"[Pickett] was not acquired to be the No. 1 quarterback, so probably by the weekend they'll have Kirk Cousins," Jackson said during a radio appearance on 92.3 The Fan (h/t SI.com's Spencer German).

With the Browns looking to bounce back from a dismal 3-14 record in 2024, Pickett isn't the only experienced option that they're looking to add at quarterback.