Cleveland Browns send QB Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns in a trade Monday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Browns are receiving a 2026 fifth-round pick in return, a source told ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.

Pickett will back up starting quarterback Geno Smith. The transaction comes two days after Aidan O’Connell fractured his right wrist in the Raiders’ preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. O’Connell is expected to miss six to eight weeks and likely be placed on injured reserve.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Sunday that the team would explore all possibilities to find a quarterback. Even though the Raiders have rookie Cam Miller on the roster, Carroll wanted to bring in a player with experience.

“A guy that’s had game experience is huge to me,” Carroll said Sunday. “Cam hasn’t played in the league much, so we’re looking for an experienced player that could help us.”

Pickett has played in 30 career games (25 starts) since he was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has thrown for 4,765 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 62.4% of his pass attempts.

Pickett is 15-10 as a starter.

After two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason and played behind Jalen Hurts. The Browns traded a 2025 fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Pickett in March.

Pickett was competing to be the Browns’ starter, but didn’t play in the preseason after injuring his hamstring July 26. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday that he thought Pickett would be available for Week 1.

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.