The Cleveland Browns have made it well known that the team is in the market for a quarterback. After moving on from Baker Mayfield, the team made a massive trade for former Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson just a few years ago. After poor play and injuries, the team once again will look for a franchise quarterback. On the first day of free agency, the Browns made a trade for a quarterback they already know well. This quarterback swap only cost Cleveland a fifth-round pick.
The Cleveland Browns acquired former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia trades: QB Kenny Pickett
Cleveland trades: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 2025 fifth-round pick
Most analysts thought that Cleveland might target a quarterback in the free agency class or trade. Players like Kirk Cousins (via trade), Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, and Russell Wilson were all realistic options for the Browns to sign. Instead general manager Andrew Berry pulled a surprise and brought in Pickett.
The former first-round pick started 24 games in two seasons with the Steelers. He threw for 4,474 yards, 17 total touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in two seasons with the team. After signing Russell Wilson, Pickett was traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. He served as a backup, and won Super Bowl LIX last month.
Kenny Pickett still has some potential. He is only 26-years-old and was a first-round pick for a reason. Do I think he will likely be the franchise quarterback? No. But I think he gives Cleveland a good starting option and for only a fifth-round pick, it’s worth it.
A good recipe for success would be Pickett starting the season with a first-round quarterback like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders sitting behind him to develop. There could be a chance that the former Steeler has a breakout season like we’ve seen from Geno Smith and Sam Darnold.
Next read: A Detroit Lions free agency update!
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