Quick Read
- The Cleveland Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
- Pickett, a former first-round pick, will now serve as a backup to Geno Smith on the Raiders.
- The Browns’ quarterback depth chart is now led by veteran Joe Flacco, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders as backups.
The Cleveland Browns made a significant move on Monday evening, trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2026. This marks the third trade of Pickett’s four-year NFL career, signaling both an opportunity for the Raiders and a reshuffling of the Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
Why Kenny Pickett’s Move to the Raiders Makes Sense
The Raiders were in urgent need of an experienced backup quarterback after their second-string QB, Aidan O’Connell, fractured his wrist during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. With O’Connell expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, the Raiders turned to Pickett, a player with 25 career starts and a 15-10 record. Head coach Pete Carroll emphasized the need for a backup with game experience, stating, “I want somebody who’s played. That’s what’s important.” Pickett, who will serve as Geno Smith’s backup, fits that description perfectly.
For Pickett, this trade represents yet another chapter in a turbulent NFL career. Originally drafted 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, he started 24 games for the team before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. After a brief stint in Philadelphia, where he backed up Jalen Hurts during a Super Bowl-winning season, Pickett was traded to Cleveland earlier this year. Despite being seen as a potential starter for the Browns, the team ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
The Browns’ Quarterback Depth Chart Post-Trade
The Browns’ quarterback room has undergone significant changes this offseason. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to a season-ending Achilles injury and subsequent surgery, the team signed veteran Joe Flacco and drafted rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco was named the Week 1 starter, leaving Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders to compete for backup roles. However, Pickett’s lack of preseason action due to a hamstring injury further complicated his standing within the team.
After trading Pickett, the Browns now have a more streamlined quarterback depth chart. Joe Flacco remains the starter, with Gabriel and Sanders serving as his backups. Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a more consistent preseason performance compared to Sanders, a fifth-round pick. Sanders, however, gained attention for his potential despite being listed as the fourth-string quarterback earlier in the offseason.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in the team’s decision, stating, “We believe in the young talent we have. This move allows us to focus on developing our rookies while maintaining stability with Joe Flacco at the helm.”
Pickett’s Career: A Tale of Constant Movement
Kenny Pickett’s career trajectory has been anything but stable. After being drafted in the first round by the Steelers, he struggled to solidify his position as a franchise quarterback. His career stats include a 62.6% completion rate, 2,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While those numbers reflect potential, they also highlight inconsistencies that have made him expendable for multiple teams.
In Philadelphia, Pickett showed glimpses of his capability, stepping in during Week 17 to lead the Eagles to a blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys. However, his role remained limited, and he was eventually traded to Cleveland. Now in Las Vegas, Pickett has a chance to reset his career as a reliable backup, a role he seems to be transitioning into.
For the Raiders, Pickett’s experience could prove invaluable, especially in a season where they are looking to improve their playoff prospects. Geno Smith, the team’s starting quarterback, will likely benefit from having a seasoned backup ready to step in if needed.
The Broader Implications for Both Teams
This trade underscores the strategic maneuvers teams must make as they finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. For the Browns, offloading Pickett provides clarity and allows them to focus on their rookies’ development. For the Raiders, acquiring Pickett addresses an immediate need, ensuring they have a competent backup in case of emergencies.
The move also highlights the evolving nature of Pickett’s career. Once seen as a potential franchise quarterback, he now finds himself embracing the role of a journeyman backup. While this may not align with his initial aspirations, it offers him a chance to remain a valuable asset in the league.
As the NFL season approaches, both teams will be closely watched to see how these changes impact their performance. The Browns will rely on Joe Flacco’s veteran leadership and the promise of their rookie quarterbacks, while the Raiders will hope that Pickett can provide stability behind Geno Smith.
Kenny Pickett’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional football, where adaptability and resilience often determine a player’s longevity in the league.