Who is Kenny Pickett — Quick Profile
Kenny Pickett is an American NFL quarterback, born June 6, 1998, in Ocean Township, New Jersey.
He played college football at Pittsburgh Panthers (2017–2021), finishing as their all-time leader in total yards, passing yards, completions, total touchdowns, and passing touchdowns.
He was drafted 20th overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2025 Team Move — Now with the Las Vegas Raiders
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On August 25, 2025, the Cleveland Browns traded Pickett to the Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
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The trade happened quickly after the Raiders’ backup QB Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured wrist in the preseason finale — expected to be out 6–8 weeks.
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That made Pickett the immediate backup to starting QB Geno Smith and filled a pressing need for an experienced QB following O’Connell’s injury.
This marks Pickett’s third trade in under four seasons — first Pittsburgh → then Philadelphia Eagles (2024) → Browns (2025), and now to the Raiders.
Super Bowl Pedigree
While with the Eagles in 2024, Pickett was part of the team that won Super Bowl LIX.
Though primarily a backup to Jalen Hurts, he saw limited regular-season action (five games, one start) and made two playoff appearances.
2025 Season Performance & Recent Raiders Context
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Through his three NFL seasons, Pickett has played in about 30 games (25 starts), throwing for roughly 4,765 yards, 15 TDs, 14 INTs, with a passer rating around 62–63%.
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With the Raiders in 2025, he has so far been the backup to Geno Smith — but recent injuries on the team have thrust him into action.
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In his most recent relief appearance (December 7, 2025, vs Denver Broncos), Pickett completed 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards, threw one touchdown and added a short rush — showing poise, even if under “garbage-time” conditions.
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With Geno Smith exiting due to a hand/shoulder injury in that game, Pickett stepped in for the fourth quarter — potentially opening the door for a start coming up depending on Smith’s recovery.
Trade & Injury History — What It Means for His Future
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Since entering the league, Pickett has been traded multiple times — 2022 draft → Steelers, to Eagles in 2024, to Browns in 2025, and now to Raiders.
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The rapid moves reflect both his perceived value (young, starting-capable QB) and the volatility of team situations — especially when injuries or roster shuffles demand experienced backups.
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He’s also had some injury setbacks: during training camp with Cleveland in 2025, he suffered a hamstring injury that held him out of preseason games.
That said — his arrival at the Raiders could be an important reset. With experience, youth, and a Super Bowl ring, he may serve as a stabilizing presence behind Geno Smith — and potentially as an insurance policy if injuries arise.
What’s Next for Kenny Pickett
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With the Raiders under new pressure due to Geno Smith’s recent injury, Pickett may see increased playing time — possibly even a start in the near future.
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If he performs well in relief appearances and earns the confidence of coaches, he could carve out a larger role — maybe as a dependable backup or bridge starter while teams evaluate long-term plans.
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Alternatively, given his trade history, strong performance could again make him a trade asset for a team needing quarterback help.
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