Browns QB Joe Flacco receives strong warning from Kenny Pickett ahead of 2025 NFL season

Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett both arrived to the Cleveland Browns to strengthen a quarterback room that gave Kevin Stefanski’s team plenty of headaches last season. While neither has been officially named the starter, the former Steelers and Eagles QB had a strong message for his new teammate as the 2025 NFL season approaches.

Pickett knows he’s facing a unique opportunity to become the on-field leader of a historic franchise that hasn’t seen major success in recent years. To earn that role, he’ll need to put in the work and go head-to-head with a seasoned veteran who’s been through countless battles in this league.

During a recent media session, the former Steelers quarterback shared his expectations for the upcoming season, making it clear that his one and only goal is to play as many snaps as possible throughout the year.

“That’s the plan, man (to start),” Pickett said during the Pitt spring game, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I’m not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time.”

The Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh speaks at the 2021 Heisman Trophy finalist press conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 11, 2021 in New York City.

Pickett’s take on Joe Flacco

The season-ending injury suffered by Deshaun Watson last year forced the Browns’ front office to reconsider the franchise’s future at the quarterback position. Wasting no time, they moved quickly to bring in both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett — acquisitions that brought not only experience and leadership, but also talent and a much-needed sense of renewal.

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When asked about sharing a locker room with the former Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Pickett had nothing but words of admiration for his new teammate. He expressed his desire to learn as much as possible from the veteran signal-caller, highlighting the value of Flacco’s experience.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joe,” Pickett said. “I’ve been watching him since I was 10 years old. Total respect for Joe, what he’s done and I’m excited to get to work with him, too.”

Could the Browns be the NFL’s next breakout team?

If there’s one thing that consistently defines the NFL, it’s that every season, at least one team unexpectedly makes headlines and turns into the league’s biggest surprise. Will 2025 be the year the Cleveland Browns finally make that leap — or will they once again fade quietly into the background?

Kevin Stefanski is confident this could be the year the Browns make their move. Backed by two high-profile quarterbacks and the dominant presence of Myles Garrett, Cleveland is aiming — once and for all — to establish itself as a true title contender.