Following a blockbuster trade within the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles got involved in the action, sending backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a late-round pick, per Adam Schefter on X.
“Trade: Eagles are trading QB Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for a 2025 fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, per sources,” Schefter wrote.
After getting drafted with the 20th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett didn't pan out in the Steel City, as he was traded to the Eagles in 2024.
However — with the Browns' quarterback situation uncertain heading into 2025 — they swapped backups with the Eagles, sending their third-stringer for an opportunity to shore up the QB room in Cleveland.
As a 25-game starter through three seasons in the NFL, Pickett has left more to be desired. Considering his first-round grade at the draft, it's fair to say those expectations might've been a bit too high for Pickett.
But — as a backup — he adds value to a quarterback room.
The only issue is that the Browns must figure out their starting quarterback situation for 2025.
After trading for Deshaun Watson, the Browns signed him to a contract worth $230 million guaranteed. That deal made Watson the richest quarterback in the league — regarding guaranteed money — before Josh Allen's historic $330 million contract extension ($250 million guaranteed) with the Buffalo Bills.
But — regarding the Eagles and Browns — they essentially just traded backup quarterbacks. It isn't a trade that leaves either team too differently than before the transaction.
Pickett is an athletic quarterback with average upside, while Thompson-Robinson fits an almost identical prototype.
So — while the Eagles get a fifth-round pick along with Thompson-Robinson — both backups get a new environment to potentially flourish.
Neither has the easiest pathway to starting, as both quarterbacks have a starter in front of them who likely won't get benched in their favor.
Pickett, technically, has a better chance since the Browns are reportedly interested in a rookie quarterback via the 2025 NFL Draft or signing a veteran free agent.
Either way, the Browns likely won't be starting Kenny Pickett in 2025 after trading for him from the Eagles.
