**Browns Trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders, Adjust Quarterback Roster**
The Cleveland Browns have made a surprising move by trading veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, following a significant roster adjustment. In exchange for Pickett, the Browns received a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This trade comes as the Raiders seek a reliable backup for Geno Smith, who was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason.
With Aidan O’Connell sidelined for 6–8 weeks due to a fractured wrist sustained in the preseason finale, the Raiders were in urgent need of a quarterback with starting experience. Pickett, a fourth-year player from the University of Pittsburgh, fits that bill, having started 25 games in the NFL and achieving a 15–10 record with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite his experience, Pickett struggled to secure a starting position in Pittsburgh, leading to his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season. There, he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts, contributing to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
The Browns initially aimed to carry four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, especially with Deshaun Watson recovering from a torn Achilles. Pickett was in competition with veteran Joe Flacco, who has been named the Week 1 starter, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury during training camp limited Pickett’s ability to compete effectively, and he did not participate in any preseason games.
As the Browns finalize their roster, the focus shifts to who will serve as Flacco’s backup. Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, made a strong case for himself with an impressive preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Although he missed the second preseason game due to injury, he returned for the finale, further solidifying his position.
With Pickett now heading to the Raiders, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart remains a topic of speculation as they prepare for the upcoming season.
**FAQ**
*What impact will Kenny Pickett’s trade have on the Browns’ quarterback situation?*
Kenny Pickett’s trade to the Raiders leaves the Browns with a more streamlined quarterback roster, focusing on Joe Flacco as the starter and raising questions about who will back him up, especially after Pickett’s injury hampered his competition for the role.