The Browns have officially added a third quarterback to their roster.
Cleveland is trading Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick, to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick in 2026. This move could elevate Shedeur Sanders on the depth chart, which might help him cement his position for the upcoming 53-man roster.
For now, Joe Flacco remains the starting quarterback, but the team’s unconventional approach—starting with four quarterbacks—might shift if the rookie, either Dillon Gabriel or Sanders, decides to step up.
Las Vegas has been looking for backup quarterbacks since Aidan O’Connell injured his wrist in his last preseason match.
As reported by the NFL Network, this trade also marks a milestone for Pickett, as he becomes the second quarterback in 30 years to be traded three times within his first four seasons.
This marks the second quarterback adjustment made by the Browns in just a couple of days.
General manager Andrew Berry commented on the situation during the final preseason game broadcast, saying, “Honestly, that’s not a big decision for us. All four of them performed well. We have a good environment, and we don’t view this as a problem but as an opportunity.”
Now, Pickett will serve as a backup for Geno Smith in Las Vegas, adding another chapter to his career after being drafted by the Steelers in 2022 and starting 24 games there over two seasons, followed by a stint with the Eagles in 2024.
In the fifth round of the April draft, Sanders completed 17 of 29 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns during preseason games. Coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized Sanders’ potential for growth during this crucial rookie year.
Following a preseason game, Sanders expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, “Thank you to everyone. There’s so much to learn, but I truly appreciate this opportunity. I keep getting better every day because of the people I work with.”
The Browns will start their season against the Bengals on September 7th.
