Shocking Trade: Browns Send QB Kenny Pickett to Raiders for 5th-Round Pick – What This Means for Both Teams!

In a stunning development in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns in a trade announced on Monday.

The Browns will receive a 2026 fifth-round pick in return for the young quarterback, marking a significant shift in both teams’ rosters and strategies.

The move comes just two days after Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured right wrist during the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals.

O’Connell is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, likely leading to his placement on injured reserve.

With this injury, the Raiders were in urgent need of a reliable backup to step in behind starting quarterback Geno Smith.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll expressed the team’s intention to explore all options for finding a suitable quarterback.

He emphasized the importance of bringing in a player with experience, stating, “A guy that’s had game experience is huge to me.

Cam hasn’t played in the league much, so we’re looking for an experienced player that could help us.

” With rookie Cam Miller already on the roster, the Raiders recognized the need for a more seasoned presence to support their offense.

Kenny Pickett, who was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, has played in 30 career games, starting 25 of them.

Throughout his time in the league, he has thrown for 4,765 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, completing 62.4% of his pass attempts.

His record as a starter stands at 15-10, showcasing his potential despite the ups and downs of his early career.

After spending two seasons with the Steelers, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, where he played behind star quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Browns acquired Pickett earlier this year, trading a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to secure him.

However, Pickett’s journey with the Browns was cut short after he suffered a hamstring injury on July 26, preventing him from participating in the preseason.

As the Browns move forward, the trade leaves them with two rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, backing up veteran starter Joe Flacco.

Coach Kevin Stefanski has not yet named Flacco’s official backup, especially after the release of Tyler Huntley on Sunday.

The Browns will need to quickly adapt to their new quarterback situation as they prepare for the upcoming season.

This trade not only impacts the Raiders and their quest for stability at the quarterback position but also raises questions about the Browns’ future plans for their offensive lineup.

With Kenny Pickett now in Las Vegas, the Raiders hope to bolster their chances of success in the coming weeks, while the Browns must navigate the challenges of relying on inexperienced quarterbacks.

In conclusion, the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Raiders marks a pivotal moment for both teams.

As they adjust to their new rosters, fans will be eager to see how this decision unfolds on the field and what it means for the future of each franchise.