BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation remains unsettled with few starting options available in free agency, but new addition Kenny Pickett said he has been told he will get the chance to compete to be QB1 in 2025.

The Browns on Wednesday officially announced the trade for Pickett, the No. 20 overall pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL draft, sending the Philadelphia Eagles a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

“I’m excited to get back into [the AFC North] and I just think it’s a great opportunity to go compete,” Pickett said Thursday during an introductory news conference.

Days after the start of the negotiation period, many of the top free agent quarterbacks have been signed. The Browns, who have yet to sign a free agent passer this offseason, met with Russell Wilson on Thursday. Wilson was in the team’s facility for about five hours and left early Thursday afternoon without signing a deal.

Pickett said he expects Cleveland to sign a veteran quarterback at some point and is “fine” with Wilson, who replaced him in Pittsburgh, visiting the team.

Pickett, 26, is the Browns’ only healthy quarterback on the roster, as Deshaun Watson is rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon injury that is expected to cost him a significant portion of the 2025 season.

“I do view myself as a starter,” said Pickett, who holds a 15-10 record as a starter in the NFL.

After two seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickett spent the 2024 season as the backup to Jalen Hurts and started one game for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. Pickett said that in exit meetings, he knew a trade was possible but was a bit surprised his landing spot was in Cleveland.

The Browns hold the second pick in the draft, which could be used on a quarterback, but Pickett said he is unfazed by the team’s expected addition, whether it be in free agency or the draft.

“All you want is an opportunity,” Pickett said. “It doesn’t matter who else is in the room. All you can ask for is an opportunity, then you’ve got to go handle the rest.”