Cleveland Browns Trade Quarterback Kenny Pickett to Raiders for 2026 Draft Pick

The Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick, effectively promoting rookie Shedeur Sanders on the Browns' depth chart. This trade addresses the Raiders' urgent need for a backup quarterback after Aidan O'Connell fractured his wrist and will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, leaving rookie Cam Miller as the only backup behind starter Geno Smith. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, impressed during preseason and is seen as a promising candidate to fill the Raiders' backup role, with some fans even urging Tom Brady, a Raiders minority owner, to facilitate the trade. The Browns' decision to keep four quarterbacks initially shifted following Pickett's trade, as Pickett's status as a capable backup made him an attractive target for the Raiders. The move increases Sanders' chances for playing time and elevates his fantasy football outlook, given the Raiders' depth chart situation. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the team's intention to find a reliable backup, acknowledging O'Connell's injury as a significant setback.