🚨 TRADE ALERT: The Cleveland Browns have officially traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
This move comes as the Raiders look for veteran depth behind starter Geno Smith, after backup Aidan O’Connell suffered a wrist fracture in the preseason and will be sidelined for approximately 6–8 weeks.
Pickett—a former first-round pick (2022) by the Steelers—now joins the Raiders for his third trade in just 17 months, going from Pittsburgh → Philadelphia → Cleveland → now Las Vegas.
Why This Trade Matters
- Raiders: Gain an experienced signal-caller to protect their QB depth amid preseason injuries.
- Browns: Clear space in a crowded QB room (Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders remain) and recoup value via the draft pick.
Quick Recap
| Team | Received | Outgoing |
|---|---|---|
| Raiders | QB Kenny Pickett | 2026 5th-round pick |
| Browns | 2026 5th-round pick | QB Kenny Pickett |
Sources
- Behind the Steel Curtain – Browns trade former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett to Raiders
- Silver and Black Pride – Breaking: Raiders trade for Kenny Pickett
- New York Post – Browns trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders in telling Shedeur Sanders sign
- ESPN – Browns trading QB Kenny Pickett to Raiders
- NFL.com – Browns trading QB Kenny Pickett to Raiders for 2026 fifth-round pick
- BrownsZone – Kenny Pickett traded to Raiders, Dillon Gabriel moves to QB2