The Cleveland Browns completed a Kenny Pickett trade, sending the veteran quarterback to the Las Vegas Raiders. The move resolves the Browns’ roster surplus and addresses the Raiders’ urgent backup need.
Raiders Acquire Pickett After O’Connell Injury
The Las Vegas Raiders acquired Pickett after their expected backup, Aidan O’Connell, suffered a fractured wrist. The Aidan O’Connell injury is expected to sideline the quarterback for six to eight weeks.
Pickett is now expected to step in as the primary backup to starter Geno Smith. The Raiders had previously traded for Smith, reuniting him with his former head coach, Pete Carroll, who had stated a desire for a backup with starting experience.
Details of the Kenny Pickett Trade
In exchange for the quarterback, the Browns received a 2026 fifth-round NFL Draft pick. Pickett joins the Kenny Pickett Las Vegas Raiders roster with 25 career NFL starts and a Super Bowl LIX ring he won last season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
This marks Pickett’s third team in a year, following his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Eagles. The Browns had acquired him from Philadelphia to build depth while Deshaun Watson recovered from a torn Achilles.
Unsettled Browns Quarterback Depth Chart
The trade prevents the Browns from carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, a move ESPN had recently reported the team was considering. A hamstring injury sidelined Pickett for all of Cleveland’s preseason games, complicating his roster competition.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski had already named veteran Joe Flacco the team’s Week 1 starter. The decision now shifts to who will serve as Flacco’s primary backup heading into the season.
Dillon Gabriel vs Shedeur Sanders
The competition for the backup role now centers on rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel, a third-round draft pick, completed the preseason with 272 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 25-of-37 passing.
Sanders, a fifth-round selection, had a mixed preseason, including a debut where he threw for two touchdowns. His finale was less productive, as he completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards and took five sacks.
Final Roster Decisions Approaching
The Browns quarterback depth chart behind Flacco remains a key decision for the coaching staff. The team must finalize its 53-man roster ahead of the league-wide deadline.
That NFL deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p. m. ET. The Browns reportedly waived quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, who was brought in for camp depth after earlier injuries.
