Two NFL teams have traded quarterback Kenny Pickett over the past 18 months. With the current status of the Cleveland Browns quarterback room, it’s not out of the realm of possibility another trade could involve Pickett before the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay argued Wednesday that Pickett might even want another trade.
Kay included Pickett on a list of four players who “could request a trade next” around the league.
“Considering Pickett had expectations of competing for a starting role following the trade that landed him in Cleveland—and had a clear path to becoming the Browns’ QB1 before Flacco was signed and the two rookies were drafted—it’s reasonable to believe the fourth-year passer might seek another fresh start before the end of training camp,” wrote Kay.
“While Pickett won a Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts’ backup with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, he hasn’t seen much meaningful action since making his final start for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13 of the 2023 campaign.”
After the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson in March 2024, Pickett requested a trade from Pittsburgh. The Steelers fulfilled that request days later, sending the former first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles traded Pickett to the Browns in March 2025.
Shedeur Sanders Rising Browns QB Depth Chart?
Pickett could find himself “the odd-man out” in the Browns quarterback room because playing him doesn’t steer the team clearly in one direction.
If Cleveland wants to win in 2025, the team will go with veteran and former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Should the Browns have an eye on the future, then they will want to give snaps to rookies Dillon Gabriel and/or Shedeur Sanders.
Pickett offers more long-term upside than Flacco but at 27 years old, he doesn’t have the same upside as either rookie. Pickett has more experience than the rookies but not as much as Flacco.
Sanders also had an impressive showing in Week 1 of the preseason, which wasn’t good news for Pickett’s prospects of playing a lot in 2025.
“Sanders’ rapid rise could lead to demotions for Cleveland’s other hopeful young signal-callers, including veteran Kenny Pickett,” wrote Kay.
“Should Sanders secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, Pickett will be left to battle rookie Dillon Gabriel for third-string duties.”
It’s important to note, though, that Pickett was still the Browns’ No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart entering Saturday.
Flacco, Pickett and Sanders didn’t play in Week 2 of the preseason. Gabriel made his NFL debut, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards with an interception.
Kenny Pickett Still Dealing With Hamstring Injury
The biggest problem for Pickett this preseason, though, is not Sanders — it’s a hamstring injury.
Sanders and/or Gabriel could be moving up the depth chart because they are playing well. But that could be the case also due to the fact Pickett hasn’t played. He has only practiced in limited fashion since July 26.
The regular season is now three weeks away. Pickett has just 11 days until the NFL’s roster cutdown day.
If the Browns retain Pickett, he could be the No. 3 or 4 quarterback because of limited practice time.
“Pushing for a trade could be the Pittsburgh product’s best option,” wrote Kay.
Most Steelers fans are likely to find the idea of another potential Pickett trade rather laughable. The former first-round quarterback is still on his rookie deal yet has already played for three teams.
In Pittsburgh, Pickett went 14-10 as a starter with a 62.6% completion percentage, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also averaged 6.3 yards per pass.
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