Why did the Browns trade for Kenny Pickett? Details as Eagles deal QB
Just one month after becoming a Super Bowl champion, Kenny Pickett is on the move.
The Philadelphia Eagles dealt their backup quarterback to the Cleveland Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Monday, according to reports.
It's a deal that raises some eyebrows on the surface, especially considering the quarterback situations surrounding both teams. Pickett wasn't forced into game action a lot in 2024, but played admirably in his lone start.
Here's a look at the details for the trade involving the Browns and Eagles.
Kenny Pickett trade details
- Eagles receive: Dorian Thompson Robinson, 2025 fifth-round pick (via DET)
- Browns receive: Kenny Pickett
The Eagles have traded Pickett back to the AFC North, this time to the Browns, in exchange for Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick, according to reports.
Philadelphia acquired Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers a year ago in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick, which became linebacker, Payton Wilson. The Eagles dealt the fourth-rounder, pick No. 120, for a third-round pick in 2025.
Why did the Browns trade for Kenny Pickett?
Deshaun Watson's days in Cleveland may be numbered after the quarterback ruptured his right Achilles again in early January. It's a setback that likely costs Watson his 2025 season and may put an end to his Browns tenure.
Cleveland holds the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft and is in prime position for a quarterback, if they choose to go that route. However, the upcoming class doesn't feature a ton of talent in that department, leaving quarterback-needy teams at a crossroads.
They can either take the plunge this year and hope to strike gold, or punt the decision to 2025, but risk falling out of position for a top signal caller.
Every organization will approach that decision a different way, but the Browns could be signaling their direction by trading for Pickett.
The former Steelers' starter, Pickett could be a one-year answer at the position or slide in as a backup if they want to give a rookie the keys to the organization. He brings some added flexibility, while the Eagles recoup a draft pick and a more mobile quarterback that can better mirror Jalen Hurts' if their starter goes down with an injury.
Cleveland's quarterback spot has more questions than answers at the moment and Pickett's addition only adds to the mystery as draft season approaches.