Raiders Secure Kenny Pickett in a Trade with the Browns
The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized the acquisition of quarterback Kenny Pickett, coming from the Cleveland Browns, through a trade announced on Monday. In return, the Browns will receive a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft. Pickett will join the Raiders to back up starting quarterback Geno Smith.This transaction occurs two days after Aidan O’Connell suffered a fracture in his right wrist during the last preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. O’Connell is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks and is likely to be placed on the injured reserve list.
Pickett has played in 30 games in his career (25 as a starter) since being selected in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. He has accumulated 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 62.4%. His record as a starter is 15-10. After two seasons with the Steelers, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason and played behind Jalen Hurts. The Browns acquired Pickett in March in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Pickett was competing to be the Browns’ starter, but he didn’t play in the preseason due to a hamstring injury suffered on July 26. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski had expressed on Sunday his belief that Pickett would be available for Week 1. The Monday trade leaves the Browns with two rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, as backups to Joe Flacco, the starter. Stefanski has not yet named Flacco’s backup. The team also released Tyler Huntley on Sunday.A player with experience in matches is crucial for me. Cam hasn’t played much in the league, so we are looking for an experienced player who can help us.
Pete Carroll, Raiders Coach
