The Cleveland Browns’ chief executive, Andrew Berry, had communicated on numerous occasions that the squad was ready to hold onto four quarterbacks when they initially named their 53-player lineup. However, on Monday evening, the organization altered its strategy upon learning of the Las Vegas Raiders’ desire to trade for Kenny Pickett. The Browns have formally announced that they have dealt Pickett to the Raiders in return for a fifth-round selection in 2026.
Raiders’ reserve quarterback Aidan O’Connell sustained a fractured wrist during the preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals last weekend and is projected to be sidelined for approximately 6-8 weeks, according to ESPN sources. This prompted chief executive John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll to explore alternative choices to support starting quarterback Geno Smith. Pickett, faced with significant competition from Joe Flacco and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in Cleveland, emerged as an enticing acquisition target for Las Vegas.
Pickett did not participate in any of Cleveland’s three exhibition matches due to a hamstring ailment. This marks the second instance during this offseason in which Pickett, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been involved in a trade transaction. Cleveland had previously obtained Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson back in March.
Shedeur Sanders reflects the Browns’ initial expectations … and that’s definitely a positive
Ryan Wilson
Pickett, having gained starting experience during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, functioned as the primary backup to Jalen Hurts while the Eagles secured victory in the Super Bowl the previous season. It now seems he is positioned to take on a comparable role with the Raiders.
Following this transaction, the Browns are slated to have Gabriel and Sanders as the secondary options behind the 40-year-old Flacco when the regular season commences against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.
The Browns selected Gabriel during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and later acquired Sanders in the fifth round. Both individuals encountered fluctuations in performance throughout the preseason period, but Pickett’s departure implies that both will remain with the team following the roster reduction deadline on Tuesday. The hierarchy among those backing up Flacco is yet to be decided; however, let’s assess the insights we’ve gathered in recent weeks.
What is the anticipated path for Shedeur Sanders?
Even though the Browns initially possessed five quarterbacks on the roster, Sanders was designated as the starter for Cleveland’s opening preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers. Veteran Flacco was not slated to participate in Cleveland’s initial exhibition match, while Gabriel and Pickett were sidelined due to hamstring complications, leaving Sanders and Tyler Huntley as the sole available quarterbacks.
Following a somewhat deliberate beginning, Sanders promptly recovered and completed 14 of 23 pass attempts, amassing 138 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions in a 30-10 triumph. He maintained composure within the pocket and executed several notable throws. The former Colorado standout swiftly emerged as a focal point within the sports domain, as inquiries arose regarding his advancement on the depth chart – and even the prospect of surpassing the presumed frontrunner, Flacco.
Sanders was absent from Cleveland’s second preseason matchup against Philadelphia because of an oblique injury, but he did suit up for the concluding game against the Los Angeles Rams. The circumstances of this appearance diverged from his previous showing. Sanders successfully completed merely 3 of 6 pass attempts, accumulating a mere 14 yards, and endured a substantial five sacks. Instead of releasing the ball to a receiver or simply discarding it, Sanders tended to retreat and encounter predicaments instead of advancing within the pocket.
While Sanders exhibited assurance against Carolina, he appeared quite the contrary against Los Angeles. At a juncture when it seemed he might have the chance to spearhead a game-winning drive with two minutes remaining, Sanders was, in fact, removed by coach Kevin Stefanski in favor of Huntley.
“Obviously, we collectively underperformed offensively during the second half,” Stefanski remarked when questioned about Sanders’ substitution. “This is never attributable to a single individual; hence, we can enhance performance across various aspects, and we simply believed it prudent to grant [Huntley] one final drive.”
Has Dillon Gabriel Secured the Position of QB2?
After not playing in Cleveland’s initial preseason match, Gabriel assumed the starting role in Week 2 of the exhibition season. In a 22-13 victory over the Eagles, the former Oregon quarterback completed 13 of 18 pass attempts, totaling 143 yards, along with an interception that resulted in a touchdown return. While the interception-turned-touchdown might overshadow Gabriel’s inaugural NFL appearance for some observers, it was, on the whole, a respectable showing. He managed the offensive plays and was generally decisive with his distribution of the football. There were no particularly sensational plays, but it represented an adequate commencement.
The final preseason encounter unfolded differently for Gabriel, as he offered supporters a glimpse into the traits that positioned him as a Heisman Trophy finalist in the preceding season. Gabriel successfully completed 12 of 19 pass attempts, accumulating a team-leading 129 yards and a single touchdown. This included an 11-play, 86-yard touchdown series with two minutes remaining in the first half.
Gabriel may not have been endowed with the identical physical attributes that some prominent quarterbacks possess, yet if he demonstrates the capability to make sound judgments and capitalize on what the opposing defense concedes, he may possess a viable future within this league.
NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo conveyed that Flacco was never genuinely challenged by Cleveland’s other quarterbacks throughout recent months. This leads one to contemplate the genuineness of the purported quarterback competition.
It’s uncomplicated to deduce that Sanders concluded the preseason on a disappointing note, while Gabriel achieved precisely the inverse; however, should you inquire as to which individual would initially come off the bench to substitute for Flacco, the likely choice would be the quarterback selected during the third round, as opposed to the fifth round.
