Kenny Pickett’s NFL career has been a whirlwind of trades and transitions, moving from a promising first-round pick to a backup quarterback with the Las Vegas Raiders. This article delves into the details of his trades, performance, and the implications of his journey through the league.
Early Promise with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett was drafted 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He quickly became the team’s starting quarterback, showcasing his potential with a strong rookie season. Over two seasons, Pickett started 24 games, leading the Steelers to a playoff appearance in 2023. However, his performance was inconsistent, with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, prompting the Steelers to seek a more experienced quarterback.
Trade to the Philadelphia Eagles
In March 2024, the Steelers traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after acquiring veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The trade involved sending Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks. Pickett served as a backup to Jalen Hurts during the 2024 season and was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX-winning team.
Move to the Cleveland Browns
In March 2025, the Eagles traded Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick. The Browns were facing uncertainty at the quarterback position due to Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury. Pickett joined a competitive quarterback room that included Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Despite the competition, Pickett was expected to compete for the starting role.
Final Trade to the Las Vegas Raiders
In August 2025, the Cleveland Browns traded Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick. This move came after Aidan O’Connell suffered a wrist injury, leaving the Raiders in need of a reliable backup quarterback. Pickett was expected to back up Geno Smith, who had signed a two-year, $75 million extension with the Raiders. However, Smith’s performance has been under scrutiny, leading to speculation about Pickett’s potential to step into the starting role.
Performance and Outlook
As of the 2025 season, Pickett is listed as the Raiders’ backup quarterback. His experience and previous starting roles position him as a capable backup who could step in if needed. The Raiders’ current offensive struggles, including Smith leading the league in interceptions, have led to discussions about Pickett’s readiness to contribute.
Conclusion
Kenny Pickett‘s journey through the NFL reflects the challenges and opportunities that come with being a quarterback in today’s league. From a promising starter with the Steelers to a Super Bowl champion with the Eagles, and now a backup with the Raiders, Pickett’s career continues to evolve. His adaptability and experience make him a valuable asset to any team in need of quarterback depth.
