The Eagles have traded backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and Browns backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a source confirmed to NJ Advance Media.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported the trade.
Third-year player Tanner McKee, who was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, will step into the backup role behind Jalen Hurts. Thompson-Robinson, who was the drafted by Cleveland in 2023, will compete for the No. 3 QB job in training camp.
Pickett performed well is his only start this past season (2024) in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while playing through injured ribs.
In 2025, Pickett could compete for the starting job with the Browns.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Pickett, their 2022 first-round pick, to the Eagles last offseason and signed Russell Wilson to replace him. Pickett struggled in his first two seasons (2022-2023) as an NFL starter and was labeled a bust, but now he could turn around his career in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation became a mess after Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles this past season, and it got even worse after he re-aggravated the injury this offseason. Pickett might not be the Browns' long-term at quarterback, but he will offer stability.
McKee shined in consecutive preseasons and played well in his only career start against the New York Giants in Week 18. He completed 30 of 45 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns against New York’s starters in a victory over the Giants.
McKee and Thompson-Robinson both have two years left on their rookie deals.
Thompson-Robinson was drafted ahead of McKee in the 2023 draft, going in the fifth round.
The 25-year-old has started five games over the last two years, but he has not played well for Cleveland. This past season, he threw no touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Eagles could help Thompson-Robinson develop into a better player. Coming out of UCLA in 2023, Thompson-Robinson was considered an intriguing, dual-threat option, but he has only rushed for 187 yards and has no rushing touchdowns in two years.
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