Eagles trade Kenny Pickett to Browns for a fifth-round pick and backup QB swap

Kenny Pickett’s time in Philadelphia didn’t last long—he’s heading back to the AFC North, this time with the Cleveland Browns.

The Eagles have agreed to trade Pickett to the Browns in exchange for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) and a 2025 fifth-round pick, per multiple reports.

Kenny Pickett to the Browns for a 2025 fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

This is a solid move for Philly. Pickett was never really part of the long-term plan—he was just a depth piece behind Jalen Hurts after Pittsburgh shipped him off last year.

The return isn’t flashy, but getting a younger backup QB in DTR and an extra draft pick is a decent haul for a guy who was never seeing the field unless disaster struck.

This also cements Tanner McKee as Hurts’ primary backup in 2025. McKee looked solid in his lone start last season, and it’s clear the Eagles believe in him as the No. 2.

Eagles were dancing on the Chiefs grave last night with Kenny Pickett taking the final snap of Super Bowl LIX

What This Means for the Browns

The Browns now have another backup QB option behind Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t exactly been the picture of durability since arriving in Cleveland.

Kenny Pickett is not a long-term answer, but he adds experience to a QB room that already includes Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley. It’s highly unlikely Cleveland picks up his fifth-year option, so this feels like a one-year audition to see if Pickett can provide value as a backup.

This is a low-risk trade for both teams. The Eagles get a younger backup and a draft pick, while the Browns add a guy with starting experience behind Watson.

In the end, Pickett never really fit in Philly, and now he gets another fresh start in Cleveland. Whether he sticks around long-term? That’s anyone’s guess.

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