Tag: Kenny Pickett

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.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice session, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The injury occurred during a red zone drill, where Pickett ended his session with a touchdown pass while rolling to his right. He is expected to be reevaluated later this week, leaving his short-term status uncertain as training camp intensifies.

Pickett’s Absence Opens Door for Others as Browns Evaluate Quarterback Rotation Depth

With Pickett temporarily sidelined, more practice reps are expected for the other quarterbacks in the competition: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett had been splitting first-team snaps with Flacco throughout the first week of camp, while Gabriel occasionally rotated in. Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, has yet to receive first-team reps but may now see an increased opportunity to prove himself.

Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has described the quarterback rotation as “fluid,” particularly during the early stages of camp. With the team’s first padded practice scheduled for Monday, Stefanski and the offensive staff are expected to assess performance and possibly adjust the rotation heading into the second week. The injury to Pickett may accelerate changes that were already under consideration.

Pickett’s Strong Start Praised Before Injury Disrupts His Crucial Contract-Year Campaign

Before the injury, Pickett had received high praise for his performance. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave described his first two practices as “stellar” and had not anticipated any major shifts in the quarterback rotation. Musgrave highlighted the steady progress of all four quarterbacks, commending offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and Stefanski for ensuring each player got sufficient reps.

Pickett, originally a 2022 first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, was acquired by the Browns in March through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cleveland sent a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in exchange.

However, the Browns declined Pickett’s fifth-year option, meaning he is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The injury adds another layer of complexity to what is already a pivotal training camp for his career.

The Cleveland Browns are fully supportive of quarterback Kenny Pickett’s role as a mentor to rising prospects Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel during offseason workouts. Despite not being the long-term face of the franchise, Pickett has proven valuable in teaching the younger quarterbacks key elements of the NFL game.

His presence during OTAs and minicamp has given Sanders and Gabriel a chance to learn from someone with real in-game experience, even if limited.

Pickett Shares Play-Action Knowledge While Facing Uncertain Future Amid Gabriel’s Rapid Rise

As reported by Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein, Pickett has taken a hands-on approach in helping Sanders understand play-action mechanics—an area emphasized in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system.

Though Pickett himself had little exposure to under-center concepts before joining the Browns, he adapted quickly and passed that knowledge to Sanders. Specifically, Sanders sought Pickett’s help with timing footwork and understanding how to pair it with different drop-back depths (three-step, five-step, or seven-step drops).

Epstein also raised the possibility that Pickett’s future in Cleveland might hinge on Gabriel’s development. If Gabriel proves himself ready to serve as the backup—or even compete for the starting role, Pickett could become expendable.

With veteran Joe Flacco also in the mix, the Browns might explore trading Pickett, especially if they believe the younger Gabriel offers more long-term upside. His strong preseason showing could boost his trade value across the league.

Pickett’s Strong Play Could Make Him Valuable Trade Bait for the Browns

Ironically, Pickett’s effectiveness as a mentor and potential starter could work against his chances of staying in Cleveland. If he performs too well, he may become a trade asset rather than a core piece of the Browns’ plans. The quarterback room is clearly in flux, and Pickett’s trajectory will depend on both his performance and the progress of those around him.

Whether he stays or is traded, Pickett’s role this offseason has been a positive for all involved. He’s shown professionalism, embraced a leadership role, and helped accelerate the development of two highly touted rookies. If Pickett manages to recapture the promise he showed when drafted by the Steelers in 2022, he could find a new opportunity elsewhere, making the situation a potential win-win for both Pickett and the Browns.

The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of a competitive quarterback battle with four players contending for the starting role: veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. In terms of experience, Pickett and Flacco have a clear advantage. Flacco brings 191 career starts to the table, while Pickett has started 30 games, mostly with the Steelers, before spending last season in Philadelphia as a backup.

Diontae Johnson Weighs In on Quarterback Race Between Pickett and Flacco

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a new addition to the Browns, offered insight into the quarterback battle during a podcast appearance. Johnson suggested that Kenny Pickett seems to be the early favorite for the starting position. He mentioned seeing Pickett taking reps with the first-team offense during offseason activities, indicating the coaching staff’s current preference.

Despite Pickett’s apparent lead, Joe Flacco’s experience and recent performance can’t be overlooked. Johnson acknowledged that Flacco, fresh off a season with Philadelphia and a Super Bowl experience, remains a viable option. While Pickett is getting more early reps, Flacco’s proven track record gives the team a strong backup plan and potentially even a reliable starter, depending on preseason performance.

Roster Limits Force Tough Decisions as Browns Weigh Quarterback Options Before Season Start

The Browns face practical constraints as the regular season approaches. While they’ve considered the rare move of keeping four quarterbacks, roster limitations make this unlikely. Most NFL teams retain only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, with a third on the practice squad. This reality puts pressure on the coaching staff to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks.

If the Browns choose to carry three quarterbacks into the season, one of the veterans—Flacco or Pickett—will likely win the starting role, while the other could end up as a backup or potentially be cut. The rookies Gabriel and Sanders are developmental prospects, and one may land on the practice squad. As things stand, Kenny Pickett appears to have the edge, but the decision will ultimately come down to preseason performance and strategic roster planning.