Browns Trade 2022 First-Rounder Pickett to Raiders for Draft Pick

In a surprising move, the Cleveland Browns have traded away 2022 first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. The trade, confirmed by a source for the Beacon Journal, comes as the Browns have sorted out their quarterback depth chart heading into the 2025 season.

Pickett, who was selected 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, had been expected to compete for the starting job in Cleveland after the team parted ways with Deshaun Watson. However, a hamstring injury that occurred on July 26th hampered Pickett's progress during training camp, and the job ultimately went to veteran Joe Flacco.

With Pickett's departure, the Browns' quarterback depth chart now features Flacco as the starter, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup, and fifth-round selection Shedeur Sanders as the QB3. The Raiders, who lost Aidan O'Connell to a fractured wrist in the preseason, were in need of a reliable backup, leading to the trade for Pickett in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

This move provides clarity for the Browns as they prepare to open the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7th. While the loss of Pickett is a setback, the team appears confident in their current quarterback group led by the experienced Flacco and the promising young talents of Gabriel and Sanders.