With Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury, the Browns’ quarterback room has just become messier. In the name of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and veteran Joe Flacco, head coach Kevin Stefanski has enough options, but it was Pickett who was destined to start under center in his final season in Cleveland.

Earlier this year, when the Browns acquired Kenny in a trade from the Eagles, they also inherited the fifth-year contract option on first-round picks selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, considering the high pay in his last year of contract and uncertainty around his role in the team, the Browns declined the fifth-year option. And while there were doubts about Kenny’s Browns future, a latest update involving his wife Amy Pickett subtly hints that the quarterback isn’t going anywhere, at least until next offseason.

Alyssa Highsmith – wife of Pittsburgh Linebacker Alex Highsmith – posted an Instagram story with Amy at the Cleveland Script sign in Edgewater Park, the famous white letters framing the Memorial Shoreway in the background. The caption read: “Exploring my bestie’s new home 🤍 @amypickett.” It seemed like just a friendly update, but with HC Kevin Stefanski still undecided on his QB1 and Kenny shifting his base back to Cleveland, the timing feels anything but coincidental.

Pickett hasn’t taken a preseason snap yet, hasn’t been seen in team drills this week, and is staring at a tight window to make his case. And here’s the twist: this could be the kind of off-field sign that lines up with an on-field decision. Stefanski has to choose between a proven veteran in Joe Flacco, a rookie fan-favorite in Shedeur Sanders, and the mobility of Pickett, once he’s healthy.

And nationally, the perception isn’t quite as cozy. USA Today’s Jacob Camenker just slotted Kenny Pickett into the “losers” column based on Shedeur’s strong preseason opener against the Panthers. He pointed out that Sanders is a potential threat to Pickett’s roster security. Jacob wrote, “Could Pickett be the odd man out? He was initially viewed as the top competition for Flacco, but with Sanders performing well in the preseason and Pickett missing time due to a hamstring injury, the gap between the two could be closing.” So, having Pickett’s family fully planted in Cleveland doesn’t hand him the job, but it sure signals they’re in for the long haul.

Stefanski plays it cool while QB drama heats up

Still, Stefanski’s hand is being forced by camp realities. Pickett has sat out team drills in seven of the first 11 practices, including all the padded sessions and 11-on-11s against the Panthers. The hamstring limits the mobility that’s supposed to be his calling card. And every day he’s out, Flacco gets more reps, Sanders gets more buzz, and Gabriel gets more time in the system. The “new home” post might confirm he’s staying. But the pre-season opener was given to the guy who didn’t take a single snap with the starters.

With Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett both sidelined, Stefanski told reporters after the preseason opener that he’s “hopeful” they’ll be back against the Eagles. But he also cautioned it’s a “one day at a time” situation. Translation: Sanders gets the stage again. The Browns’ head coach liked what he saw in Sanders’ debut but pumped the brakes on any talk of a fast-track promotion. “I’m pleased with the way Shedeur played… [but] all things moving forward… will be focused on all of our guys’ development,” he said.

So maybe this is the middle ground. Stefanski can keep Flacco as the safe Week 1 starter. Let Pickett get healthy and integrated. And hold Sanders and Gabriel as developmental players. It keeps the veteran security blanket, preserves Pickett’s spot for when he’s ready, and doesn’t burn the rookies too early. And weirdly, Amy’s Instagram may have just given fans the clearest picture yet. Not on the starting lineup, but of who Stefanski wants in that room for the long haul.