The Cleveland Browns have made their move in the ongoing quarterback chess match, acquiring a former first-round talent who’s looking to revitalize his career after a brief stint as a backup in Philadelphia.
Kenny Pickett is heading to Cleveland in a trade that sends Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick (originally from the Detroit Lions) to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This marks Pickett’s second trade since being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport offered valuable insight into what this acquisition means for Pickett’s future with the Browns:
“It sounds like he’s going to compete for the starting job. He will get the reps. Obviously, he has plenty of starting experience from his time in Pittsburgh,” Rapoport said.
QB trade! 🚨
Browns acquire Kenny Pickett in exchange for DTR and a 5th-rounder. @rapsheet & @MikeGarafolo with the details ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fj57nkpNTY
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 10, 2025
The timing of this move is particularly interesting with Deshaun Watson’s injury status for 2025 remaining uncertain.
Pickett now finds himself in a position to potentially compete for the starting role in Cleveland, a significant step up after spending last season holding a clipboard in Philadelphia.
While the Browns still possess the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, giving them the option to select a top quarterback prospect, Pickett’s experience as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers makes him an intriguing immediate option.
His 25 career NFL starts provide a level of experience that could prove valuable as Cleveland navigates its quarterback situation.
The Browns’ quarterback room has been a revolving door recently, with Thompson-Robinson getting extended opportunities over two seasons alongside veteran options like Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston.
At 26 years old, Pickett represents a younger option who seemingly fits well within Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees’ offensive system.
NEXT: Browns Are Releasing Veteran Defensive Tackle
