Eagles Trade Kenny Pickett to Browns for Fifth-Round Pick

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Eagles have traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a source confirmed on Monday.

Pickett, 26, played one season with the Eagles after they acquired him in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last March. In his tenure with Philadelphia, he appeared in five games, starting once, and threw for 291 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

With the Eagles, Pickett concluded the 2024 season as the backup during their successful Super Bowl run. However, with starting quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the team and after the Eagles secured the championship, Pickett now finds himself in a position to compete for a starting job in Cleveland.

Cleveland is looking to revamp its quarterback situation, particularly as they anticipate bringing in another signal-caller during the upcoming draft, where they hold the No. 2 overall pick. The Browns’ prior starter is recovering from a torn Achilles, leaving an opening for Pickett to vie for the role. The acquisition of Thompson-Robinson adds depth, with the rookie expected to back up Hurts.

In analyzing the trade, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman stated, “Kenny has great potential, and we wish him nothing but the best in Cleveland. This trade allows us to save cap space and reinforces our depth at the quarterback position.”

Thompson-Robinson, a fourth-round pick out of UCLA in 2023, hasn’t enjoyed significant success so far. Over 15 appearances, he has thrown for 880 yards with a single touchdown and ten interceptions, showcasing the challenges that lie ahead for him in his new role.

Conversely, Pickett’s career has been more promising, with a record of 14 wins in 24 starts during his prior seasons with the Steelers. After requesting a trade last year following the Steelers’ acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson, Pickett found himself with the Eagles, where his opportunities were limited by the presence of an established starting quarterback.

Despite not having secured a long-term position, Pickett’s experience and capabilities will be put to the test this offseason as Cleveland puts together its future plans. Eagles fans can take solace in their adjustments to the quarterback roster, now leaning on the talents of Tanner McKee alongside Thompson-Robinson to support Hurts.

This trade marks a significant moment in both franchises, particularly for the Eagles, who have restructured their quarterback lineup significantly since the last season.