Browns Acquire Kenny Pickett:
What This Means for Their Quarterback Situation
Just a month after capturing a Super Bowl title, Kenny Pickett is heading to a new team.
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded their backup quarterback to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick, as reported on Monday. The move comes as a bit of a surprise, especially when considering the quarterback situations of both teams. Although Pickett didn’t see much action in 2024, he impressed in the one game he started.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade details between the Browns and Eagles:
Trade Details
Eagles receive: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 2025 fifth-round pick (via Detroit)
Browns receive: Kenny Pickett
Philadelphia is sending Pickett back to the AFC North, now with the Browns, in exchange for Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick. A year ago, the Eagles acquired Pickett along with a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick. That third-round pick was used to select linebacker Payton Wilson, and the Eagles later traded the fourth-round pick (No. 120) for a 2025 third-round pick.
Why Did the Browns Trade for Kenny Pickett?:
Cleveland’s quarterback position has become even more uncertain following Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury in January, which is expected to sideline him for much or all of the 2025 season. This injury could signal the end of Watson’s time with the Browns.
With the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are in a strong position to select a quarterback if they decide to move in that direction. However, the quarterback class in the upcoming draft isn’t considered to be as deep, leaving teams to decide whether to take a gamble on a signal-caller now or wait until 2025 and risk losing out on top talent.
The Browns’ trade for Pickett may signal their plan moving forward. The former Steelers starter could either serve as a temporary solution at quarterback or act as a backup if Cleveland opts to draft a rookie. This move gives the Browns flexibility as they assess their long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, the Eagles gain a draft pick and a more mobile quarterback in Thompson-Robinson, who offers a playing style similar to that of Jalen Hurts. This gives the Eagles extra security in case Hurts faces any injuries.
With the quarterback position still up in the air for the Browns, Pickett’s arrival adds another intriguing layer to their plans as the NFL Draft draws closer.
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