Cleveland Browns Make Shocking Move, Trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders Amid Backup Quarterback Drama

In a move that stunned the NFL world, the Cleveland Browns made a surprising trade late Monday night, sending veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round NFL Draft pick. The deal has dramatically altered the Browns’ quarterback situation, particularly when it comes to their backup role, which remains uncertain as the 2024 season draws near.

This trade follows a series of unforeseen events in Cleveland’s quarterback room, where the team initially brought in Pickett to provide depth while Deshaun Watson recovered from a torn Achilles. The decision to part ways with the former starter in Pittsburgh is the latest twist in a quarterback battle that has been marked by injuries, competition, and some tough roster decisions.

The Trade That Shook the Browns

The decision to send Kenny Pickett to the Raiders was largely driven by necessity. Las Vegas, having acquired Geno Smith from Seattle earlier in the offseason, was thrust into a backup quarterback crisis when Aidan O’Connell fractured his wrist in the Raiders’ preseason finale. The Raiders, who were hoping to rely on O’Connell as their backup, were now scrambling to find a viable replacement for the rookie who was expected to serve as Smith’s primary understudy.

It was clear that the Raiders needed a quarterback with NFL starting experience, and Pickett—despite his ups and downs in Pittsburgh—fit that bill. With 25 starts under his belt and a 15-10 record, Pickett had experience in critical moments but never fully secured the starting role for the Steelers. After being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 offseason, Pickett spent last year as Jalen Hurts’ backup during the Eagles’ run to Super Bowl LIX, which gave him invaluable experience in a high-stakes environment.

Though he wasn’t a standout in Philadelphia, his time on a Super Bowl-winning team was seen as an asset by the Raiders. In return for Pickett, Las Vegas sent a 2026 fifth-round pick, a move that could prove to be a steal for the Raiders, given Pickett’s potential to thrive behind Smith.

Browns’ Quarterback Room in Flux

The Browns’ quarterback situation, however, is where the story gets even more intriguing. When Cleveland traded for Pickett earlier in the offseason, the team was still uncertain about Deshaun Watson’s recovery timeline. With Watson’s future in limbo, the Browns needed insurance at the most important position on the field. The plan seemed simple: Flacco would start, Pickett would back him up, and two young rookies—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—would compete for a place on the roster.

However, things quickly unraveled in the Browns’ quarterback room. A hamstring injury early in training camp kept Pickett from seeing meaningful reps, which hurt his chances to secure a backup spot behind Flacco. The team leaned heavily on the experience of Joe Flacco, who was firmly locked in as the Week 1 starter.

While the Browns initially considered carrying four quarterbacks, the trade has thrown that idea out the window. The team will now have to make a tough decision about who will serve as Flacco’s backup for the upcoming season, and all eyes are on Gabriel and Sanders.

The Battle for Backup Quarterback

With the departure of Pickett, the backup quarterback role for the Browns is now a two-horse race between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel, a third-round pick, brings a strong arm and athleticism to the table, but he is still a relative unknown at the NFL level. Sanders, a fifth-round pick, is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and has generated significant buzz due to his pedigree and impressive college career.

In the preseason, Sanders made an immediate impact, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. His performance in that game made it clear that he wasn’t just a project; he had the potential to be a legitimate NFL quarterback. However, an injury kept him out of the second preseason game, and his return in the final game against the Rams was less than stellar. Sanders finished with just 3 completions on 6 attempts for 14 yards and took five sacks.

Despite his struggles in the finale, the potential is there for Sanders to be an intriguing backup option for the Browns. His experience and his performance in college give him a higher ceiling than Gabriel, but Gabriel also had a solid preseason performance and has the advantage of a slightly more established skill set.

The decision of who will back up Flacco will likely come down to which quarterback gives the Browns the best chance to win should Flacco go down with an injury. The team must balance their evaluation of Sanders’ raw talent and upside against Gabriel’s experience and consistency.

The Trade’s Ripple Effect on the Browns’ Roster

While the trade of Pickett was a surprise, it’s not the only roster change for the Browns. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, brought in as an emergency quarterback when both Pickett and Gabriel were injured during camp, was waived by the team after a less-than-impressive preseason showing. This move further solidifies that the Browns’ quarterback room will now be a battle between the two remaining rookies.

The Browns’ decision to trim their quarterback room to just three players highlights the team’s confidence in Flacco as their starter. It also reflects their willingness to take a risk on two young quarterbacks who have yet to prove themselves in the regular season. If either Gabriel or Sanders performs well enough in training camp, they could easily be thrust into the spotlight if Flacco were to struggle or suffer an injury.

What’s Next for Kenny Pickett and the Raiders?

For Pickett, the trade represents another chance to prove himself at the NFL level. Now with the Raiders, he will have an opportunity to back up Geno Smith and learn under head coach Pete Carroll. Smith is a seasoned veteran, and Pickett’s experience could serve him well as he continues to develop his craft in Las Vegas.

For the Browns, however, the trade signals a shift in their plans. With Pickett no longer in the mix, the team must place its trust in Flacco and one of the two rookies as they prepare for the season ahead. The quarterback position, often the most scrutinized and high-pressure role on any team, remains in flux for the Browns, but the hope is that they can strike the right balance between experience and youth as they navigate a challenging season.

Conclusion

The trade of Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders marks a significant turning point for the Cleveland Browns as they head into the 2024 NFL season. With Pickett now out of the picture, the backup quarterback role for the Browns remains up for grabs, and the battle between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will be one of the most talked-about storylines of training camp.

As the Browns continue to build their roster and prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition. Will Flacco hold onto the starting role, and who will be the quarterback of the future? The answer to those questions could have a significant impact on the team’s success this season, and Browns fans will be watching closely to see who steps up.

In the end, the Browns’ decision to part ways with Pickett has altered the landscape of their quarterback room, but it has also created an exciting opportunity for two promising young quarterbacks to make their mark in Cleveland. The competition is fierce, but only one will have the chance to back up Joe Flacco and be ready for the big stage should the team need them.

Every Dillon Gabriel pass vs. Rams

Every Dillon Gabriel pass vs. Rams