The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. Pickett is expected to serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Geno Smith.
The move comes just days after Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured wrist in the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. O’Connell will likely be placed on injured reserve, leaving the Raiders in urgent need of quarterback depth.
Pete Carroll Prioritizes Experience as Pickett Brings Reliability to Raiders Quarterback Depth
Head coach Pete Carroll emphasized the importance of bringing in a player with proven experience. While the Raiders have rookie Cam Miller on the roster, Carroll noted that Miller lacks the necessary playing time in the NFL.
Carroll stated, “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 who could help us.” Pickett, with multiple years of NFL starting experience, fits that requirement and provides stability at the backup position.
Since being drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Pickett has appeared in 30 games, starting 25. He has thrown for 4,765 yards with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 62.4% of his passes.
His record as a starter stands at 15–10, showing that he has been able to lead teams to victory despite some inconsistencies. Pickett’s experience and resilience are expected to provide the Raiders with a reliable second option under center.
Pickett’s NFL Journey Highlights Frequent Trades as Browns Turn to Youthful Depth
Pickett’s career has already taken him through several organizations in a short span. After two seasons with the Steelers, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as Jalen Hurts’ backup. This past March, the Browns acquired him in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
However, his stint in Cleveland was short-lived, as he missed the preseason with a hamstring injury suffered in late July. Despite Browns coach Kevin Stefanski’s optimism that Pickett would be available for Week 1, the team opted to move on with younger options.
The trade leaves the Cleveland Browns with veteran starter Joe Flacco and two rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, competing for the backup role. Stefanski has not yet named Flacco’s official backup, and the team also released Tyler Huntley over the weekend.
With Pickett gone, Cleveland’s quarterback room is now younger and less experienced, while the Raiders gain a tested passer to reinforce their depth chart as they prepare for the upcoming season.
