In a surprising turn of events, the Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick, as reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter earlier today at 1:16 PM UTC. This move bolsters the Browns’ draft capital to an impressive 10 selections for the 2026 NFL Draft, including a coveted first-round pick acquired from Jacksonville. The transaction, announced amidst a challenging 0-2 start to the 2025 season, signals a potential shift toward a long-term rebuild for the struggling franchise.
A Strategic Pivot in Cleveland
The trade comes on the heels of Pickett’s sidelining due to a hamstring injury during a crowded quarterback competition that included veteran Joe Flacco, rookies Dillon Gabriel, and the highly touted Shedeur Sanders. According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, Pickett’s departure marks his third trade in four NFL seasons, a rare feat shared only with Sam Howell over the past three decades. With Flacco named the starter and the Browns’ recent draft investments in Gabriel and Sanders, the team appears to be prioritizing youth and potential over Pickett’s experience.
The Browns’ current 2026 draft haul includes:
- 1st round (from Jacksonville)
- 1st round
- 2nd round
- 3rd round
- 4th round
- 5th round (from Las Vegas)
- 5th round
- 6th round (from New York Jets)
- 6th round (from Detroit)
- 7th round (from Seattle)
This abundance of picks positions Cleveland to either stockpile talent or make a bold move up the draft board, a strategy that has precedent among teams with similar draft hauls.
The Rise of Shedeur Sanders and Draft Implications
Shedeur Sanders, selected with the No. 144 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, brings a polished arm and a proven track record from his 2024 college season, where he threw for 3,926 yards and 37 touchdowns. The Browns’ willingness to trade up to secure him suggests confidence in his ability to outproduce his draft position, potentially challenging Flacco’s tenure as starter. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel adds depth to a quarterback room that now lacks Pickett’s mobility but gains from his ball-protection skills, as noted by Browns GM Andrew Berry during the 2022 draft process.
Fan reactions on X range from excitement to skepticism. User @JacobyFC speculated that the Jacksonville pick could be a top-five selection, calling it a potential “fleecing” by Cleveland, while @nofilterfantasy pessimistically predicted the team would “f*** up every one of them.” The mixed sentiment reflects the Browns’ inconsistent draft history, though the sheer volume of picks offers a rare opportunity for redemption.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Historical data from Pro Football Reference highlights the potential value of Cleveland’s draft strategy. The 2012 St. Louis Rams, with 11 picks in a single draft, leveraged their surplus to trade up and select cornerstone players, a tactic that could tempt the Browns to target a franchise quarterback or elite defender in 2026. However, the team’s front-office decisions have often drawn scrutiny, and the success of this approach will hinge on execution.
With the Raiders needing a veteran backup for Geno Smith, Pickett’s move to Las Vegas provides him a fresh start, while Cleveland turns its focus to developing Sanders and Gabriel. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether this trade marks the beginning of a Browns resurgence or another chapter in their storied struggles.