Kenny Pickett
Getty
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The Las Vegas Raiders have made yet another shocking move to bolster their quarterback room, acquiring quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. This marks the third time that Pickett has been traded, as he was previously sent from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 offseason and from the Eagles to the Browns before being dealt to Las Vegas.
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QB trade: The #Raiders are trading for #Browns QB Kenny Pickett, sources tell The Insiders, filling a key void before the season. It’s a 2026 5th rounder going back.
With Aidan O’Connell’s injury, Pickett, with plenty of experience, becomes the backup to Geno Smith. pic.twitter.com/ohEEQfj5Za
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025
Raiders Acquire Kenny Pickett in Trade with Browns
For the Raiders, the move comes at a time of need. With quarterback Aidan O’Connell sidelined six to eight weeks with a wrist injury and Geno Smith set to be the starter, the team was in search of an “experienced” backup who could step in if necessary.
Head coach Pete Carroll didn’t hide the fact that the team would be searching for an answer outside the building, stating the team is looking for “an experienced player who can help us.”
The answer is Pickett, who has experience both as a starter and a backup in his three-year career. In two seasons with Pittsburgh, Pickett started 24 of 25 games and posted a 15-10 record. During his time with the Eagles, he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts, appearing in five games while learning another offensive system and adjusting to a new role.
Throughout his career, he’s thrown for 4,765 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions across 30 games. It’s not exactly the reassuring numbers Raiders fans like to see, but Pickett believes his tough start has prepared him for the road ahead.
“I think it was really crucial for me just to see it through another level and be in another system, play with different teammates,” Pickett said about his time in Philadelphia. “They’ve got great players over there as well, so I think there was a lot of areas to learn and improve.”
That willingness to embrace change and continue growing as a quarterback could be exactly what the Raiders need at this point in their quarterback room.
Raiders Future in Limbo for Aidan O’Connell
Aidan O'Connell
GettyLas Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
With the trade for Pickett, it likely means the future is not with the Raiders for O’Connell. Starting in 17 of 20 games over his first two seasons and throwing 367-of-586 passes (62.6%) for 3,830 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, O’Connell has had ample opportunities to prove to the Raiders organization that he could be the future at quarterback.
However, inconsistencies and a recent injury have all but sealed his fate as a member of the Raiders. Now, the team plans to move on with Pickett as the backup and potentially look to draft a quarterback in next year’s draft.
Ultimately, the trade for Pickett looks like a pragmatic decision. He may not be the franchise’s future, but the Raiders found their experienced backup who has the potential to grow.