Browns Trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders
The Cleveland Browns face a tough decision on their quarterback depth chart, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel competing for spots. Find out what's happening with the team's QB situation.
Pickett's career earnings total around $11.4 million, with his current contract contributing...
The Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. This move comes after Aidan O'Connell's unfortunate wrist injury, which will keep him sidelined for an extended period. The Raiders were in dire need of a reliable backup quarterback to support Geno Smith, and Pickett seems like a suitable fit.
The Trade Details:
Pickett's Role in Las Vegas: With O'Connell out, Pickett will likely serve as the backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. Given his experience playing through injuries, Pickett might prove valuable if called upon to perform.
Browns' Quarterback Situation: The Browns now have a more streamlined quarterback room, with Joe Flacco as the starter and promising rookies Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Desmond Ridder, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders vying for the backup spot.
Analysis of the Trade:
The trade seems like a win-win for both teams. The Raiders acquired a capable backup quarterback, while the Browns shed a player who wasn't fitting into their plans. ClutchPoints graded the trade as a B+ for the Raiders and an A for the Browns, highlighting the Browns' shrewd roster management.
Our newest pick up.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 26, 2025
📰 https://t.co/JbVZjOwsSj pic.twitter.com/9HQ7moI4FG
Cleveland recently cut Tyler Huntley, leaving the Browns' quarterback room consisting of veteran Joe Flacco and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Deshaun Watson is still part of the team but is out with an Achilles injury.
Flacco was named the starting quarterback the Browns' Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7th.
Pickett will now be on his third team in two years. The 27-year-old was taken 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, starting in 24 of his 25 games with the organization. Pickett never eclipsed 2,500 passing yards in a season with Pittsburgh, but left with a 15-10 record.
Kenny Pickett played a limited role with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, serving as backup to Jalen Hurts during their Super Bowl run. He appeared in just five games, starting one in Hurts' absence due to injury.
Contract Details
Current Contract: Pickett is in the final year of his four-year rookie deal worth $14.07 million, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.
2025 Salary: He'll earn a base salary of $2,623,350, with a cap hit of the same amount and a dead cap value of $2,623,351.
Contract Terms: The deal includes a fifth-year option for 2026, which the Raiders can exercise if they want to keep him.
Browns trading QB Kenny Pickett to Raiders for 2026 5th-round pick. (via @RapSheet, @MikeGarafolo, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/f4gYIwM7zr
— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2025
Career Earnings and Future Prospects
Pickett's career earnings total around $11.4 million, with his current contract contributing significantly to this amount. His financial future in the NFL depends on his performance and role with the Raiders. If he becomes a full-time starter, he could secure a lucrative contract extension worth tens of millions of dollars.
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