The Browns’ plans at quarterback — at least the perceived plans — make some sense.

In fact, they make a lot of sense.

In giving Kenny Pickett the first chance to be the starter — and likely a lengthy chance at that — the Browns are hoping that, in being a former first-round NFL Draft choice in 2023 and on his third team in three years,  the light will go on for him as it sometimes does in situations like this and he can begin to blossom. It can take players, particularly quarterbacks, because of the complexity of the position,  several years and the endurance of a few disappointments, to figure it out. Perhaps it will happen like that for Pickett, and if so, it will make it much easier, quicker, simpler and, most importantly, better for the Browns heading into the season. Veteran Joe Flacco is a big part of that, for his presence will allow Pickett to ask questions and glean from him the kind of knowledge that young players so desperately need to grow and mature that coaches really can’t offer.

It does not benefit the Browns in the long run to go into the season with Flacco as the starter. They need to have one of the young guys, including also Shadeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, to step forward and claim the job if not immediately, then sometime down the road. I fully believe that will be Sanders. In the meantime, Flacco can be the Browns’ version of Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith and come off the bench and bail out the team when, and if, needed.

As for Deshaun Watson, I read something the other day stating that his “future remains uncertain.” Huh?!! Are you kidding me? After all that has happened, he has as much chance of playing for the Browns not just this season, but in any season, ever, as I do. To not understand that, fully and completely, is baffling. Has he been living on another planet or something?


Steve King