Trade: Browns Send QB Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas Raiders for Fifth-Round Pick

In a surprising move, the Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The trade comes as the Raiders look to solidify their quarterback depth following an injury to backup QB Aidan O'Connell.

O'Connell, who fractured his wrist during the preseason finale, is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, leaving the Raiders in need of another reliable backup to support starter Geno Smith. With O'Connell out of commission for the early part of the season, the acquisition of Pickett provides the Raiders with much-needed stability at the quarterback position.

Pickett, who spent his rookie year with the Browns, has the potential to thrive in a backup role. Though his time in Cleveland was limited, he showed flashes of the skill that made him a valuable prospect. His addition to the Raiders’ roster gives them a proven option should anything happen to Smith, ensuring that they have depth under center as the season progresses.

"With Aidan’s injury, we needed to make a move to ensure we have a capable backup," said a Raiders source. "Kenny Pickett’s experience and skill set made him an ideal candidate for what we need right now."

The Raiders, now with Pickett as their backup, are hoping that the veteran can step in if called upon and provide steady play behind Smith. The trade also opens up opportunities for Pickett to prove himself in a new system, potentially making a future impact in the NFL.

For the Browns, the deal frees up cap space and provides them with additional draft capital to continue building their roster for the future. While Pickett's tenure in Cleveland was brief, both teams are hoping this trade helps solve immediate needs for each franchise.