The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round NFL Draft pick, reshaping both teams’ quarterback depth charts. This move marks a significant shift for the Raiders, who were desperate for a reliable backup quarterback following the injury of Aidan O’Connell, who fractured his wrist during the preseason finale and is sidelined for 6–8 weeks.
Pickett, a fourth-year NFL player with 25 starts under his belt and a 15–10 record, has experience as a starter in the league. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he couldn’t secure the starting role, eventually leading to his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season. With the Eagles, Pickett backed up Jalen Hurts on the team that reached Super Bowl LIX, showcasing his versatility as a backup quarterback.
The trade also impacts the Browns’ quarterback room as they prepare for the regular season. The team had been considering carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, including Pickett, Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. However, with Pickett’s trade, the Browns now have to determine who will fill the backup role behind Flacco.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been a focal point of the Browns’ quarterback competition. His preseason performance, including a standout debut against the Carolina Panthers, has bolstered his case for the starting role. However, his performance in the final preseason game against the Rams was less impressive, with a 3 of 6 completion rate and five sacks.
Dillon Gabriel, who was expected to compete for the backup role, has also been in the spotlight. Despite missing the first preseason game, Gabriel has shown promise with his 25-of-37 passing performance in the subsequent games. However, his effectiveness in the final matchup against the Rams was mixed, with a 12-of-19 completion rate and a single touchdown.
The Browns must finalize their roster by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, with the outcome of this quarterback competition having significant implications for their 2024 season. Meanwhile, the Raiders are looking to use Pickett’s experience to solidify their backup quarterback position and prepare for the challenges ahead in the NFL season.