Introduction
In a surprising late-August move, the Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, the Browns received a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. This article dives deep into the trade’s context, the compensation, what it means for both teams, and the ripple effects on QB depth charts.
Trade Overview – Quick Facts
-
Trade date: August 25, 2025
-
Teams involved: Cleveland Browns ↔ Las Vegas Raiders
-
Browns receive: 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
-
Raiders receive: QB Kenny Pickett.
Why Did the Browns Make the Trade?
-
Four-QB Roster Plan Scrapped
Initially, Browns GM Andrew Berry had envisioned keeping four quarterbacks. However, with trade interest from the Raiders and a rise of rookie options, the Browns pivoted. -
Hamstring Setback for Pickett
Pickett was sidelined with a hamstring injury throughout the preseason—he didn’t appear in any preseason games—making it harder for him to compete against veterans and rookies for the QB depth chart Dawgs By NatureNFL.comESPN.com. -
Emerging Rookie Backups
With Joe Flacco firmly established as the starter, two rookies—Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth round)—showed enough promise to remain on the roster. The trade reflects the Browns’ confidence in these young arms.
What the Raiders Gain
-
Experienced QB Depth Behind Geno Smith
With backup Aidan O’Connell sustaining a fractured wrist and missing 6–8 weeks, the Raiders needed a reliable vet. Pickett fits the bill with starting experience. -
Reasonable Cost for Stability
Sending a single fifth-round pick for QB depth—especially given compensatory pick opportunities—was a manageable trade-off.
Impact on the Cleveland QB Depth Chart
With Pickett gone, the Browns’ quarterback room is clearer:
-
Starter: Joe Flacco (veteran, Week 1 starter)
-
Backups:
-
Rookie Dillon Gabriel (third-rounder)
-
Rookie Shedeur Sanders (fifth-rounder)
-
Shedeur Sanders, in particular, seems to have solidified his place after preseason performance and coach Kevin Stefanski’s support.
Pickett’s Journeyman Path: A Look at His Three Trades
Kenny Pickett, a former 2022 first-round pick by the Steelers, has already been traded three times within 17 months—a rare trajectory in modern NFL history.
-
2022–2023: Pittsburgh Steelers (starter)
-
2024 season: Traded to Philadelphia Eagles; backup in a Super Bowl–winning campaign
-
March 2025: Traded to Cleveland in exchange for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick
-
August 2025: Traded to Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
This frequency of moves raises questions about his fit and evaluation in the league.
Conclusion
The Browns’ decision to trade Kenny Pickett to the Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick reflects a strategic shift toward youth and roster clarity—particularly elevating rookies like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Meanwhile, the Raiders gain a quarterback with starting experience, bridging the gap caused by injury.
For fans of both teams, the move reshapes expectations: Cleveland leans into its rookie signals, while Las Vegas shores up veteran depth. As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, the fate of these quarterbacks will be one of the most fascinating storylines.
