Kenny Pickett on the move again in stunning Browns trade
After making us believe they’d be keeping four quarterbacks on the roster, the Cleveland Browns have traded one anyway. Here’s what they got in exchange.
The Cleveland Browns indeed were not planning to release any of their four quarterbacks (five actually, including injured Deshaun Watson). But the Las Vegas Raiders offered them a rather tempting apple, and they couldn’t help but take a bite.
Last-minute preseason moves sends Pickett packin’
The Las Vegas Raiders have traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett, acquiring him from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Trade: Browns are sending QB Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
Raiders needed another backup for Geno Smith with QB Aidan O'Connell fracturing his wrist in the preseason finale and being expected to miss 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/BdoWHD5aBF
The move comes after quarterback Aidan O’Connell fractured his wrist in the preseason finale, leaving the Raiders in need of a veteran backup behind Geno Smith. Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, is now on his third team in four seasons after stints with the Steelers, Eagles, and Browns. Injuries and competition setbacks in Cleveland left him expendable, while the Raiders gain depth at QB as they prepare for the regular season.
Raiders QB Depth Chart
- Geno Smith
- Kenny Pickett (Q)
- Aidan O’Connell (D)
- Cam Miller
The Browns are now left with Joe Flacco, whom they named as their QB1, and behind him, rookies Dillon Gabriel (third-round pick) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth-round pick). They will start the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 7 at 12 p.m. CT at Huntington Bank Field.
Browns QB Depth Chart
- JoeF Flacco
- Dillon Gabriel
- Shedeur Sanders
- Deshaun Watson (O)
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