Browns Trade Kenny Pickett to raiders After QB Injury

The Cleveland Browns are not carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster after all,following a stunning trade on Monday night.

The Browns dealt veteran Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round NFL Draft pick.

The Raiders were desperate for a backup quarterback to Geno Smith, whom they traded for earlier this offseason with the Seattle Seahawks to reunite him with his old head coach, Pete Carroll. Aidan O’Connell fractured his wrist during the Raiders’ preseason finale, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks.O’Connell was expected to back up Smith this season, but that lengthy absence forced Las Vegas to look elsewhere. Carroll mentioned wanting someone with starting experience, wich Pickett provides.

Browns QB Battle: Who Backs Up Joe Flacco?

The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an unexpected quarterback situation as they approach the 2025 NFL season.With Deshaun Watson still recovering, Joe Flacco is currently slated to be the starting quarterback. However,the competition to be his backup has been anything but straightforward.

Initially, the Browns brought in Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel to compete for the role. however,both quarterbacks faced early setbacks in training camp with injuries. This opened the door for Tyler Huntley, who was later waived after his preseason performance.

Now, the focus shifts to who will ultimately serve as Flacco’s primary backup. Dillon Gabriel, a rookie out of Oklahoma, has shown flashes of potential, but lacks NFL experience. Kenny Pickett, acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, is looking to revitalize his career after a disappointing stint in Pittsburgh.

Recent developments suggest that Kenny Pickett is gaining momentum. he’s been working diligently to learn the Browns’ offense and demonstrate his capabilities. In fact, reports indicate Pickett is likely to become the Raiders’ backup quarterback to start the season, suggesting he’s a valuable asset despite not winning the Browns’ backup job.

Adding another layer to the intrigue,Dorian Thompson-Robinson,a young quarterback on the Browns roster,has also been making a case for himself.He delivered a strong preseason performance,completing 13 of 16 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets. This performance has certainly put him in the conversation.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained tight-lipped about his decision, emphasizing that he’s evaluating all options. He’s looking for a quarterback who can effectively manage the game, protect the ball, and provide a reliable presence when called upon.

Sanders strengthened his case with an extraordinary preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles,completing 7 of 11 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Key Takeaways

• Joe Flacco is currently the Browns’ starting quarterback due to Deshaun Watson’s injury.
• The competition for the backup quarterback role has been fluid due to injuries and performance.
• Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel were early contenders, but both faced challenges.
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson has emerged as a strong candidate with a standout preseason performance.
• Head coach Kevin Stefanski will make the final decision based on overall performance and fit within the offense.

The Browns’ quarterback situation remains a developing story. stefanski’s decision will be crucial, as a reliable backup is essential for navigating the long NFL season. Expect a final declaration closer to the start of the regular season,and keep an eye on Thompson-Robinson – his preseason performance suggests he could be a key contributor for the Browns in 2025.

Publication Date: 2025/08/26 04:12:13