Dillon Gabriel Steals the Spotlight as Browns Trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders

Cleveland Browns Make Strategic QB Move

The Cleveland Browns have made a surprising move by trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, despite having four healthy quarterbacks on their roster. This decision has caught many NFL analysts off guard, as the team chose to part ways with Pickett rather than keep him alongside their other signal-callers.

The trade saw Pickett heading to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The Raiders were in need of a backup quarterback after losing Aidan O’Connell to a broken wrist, which could keep him out of action for up to two months. With this move, Pickett is expected to become the backup to Geno Smith, providing much-needed depth for the Raiders’ offense.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the deal, noting that the Browns had always considered the possibility of trading one of their quarterbacks. “While the Browns were willing to keep four QBs, they always knew there was a real chance they would get the value to deal one — and it’s Kenny Pickett,” he stated.

A New Era for Rookie Quarterback Dillon Gabriel

One of the biggest beneficiaries of this trade is rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Previously expected to be the third-string quarterback behind Pickett and Joe Flacco, Gabriel will now likely serve as Flacco’s backup at the start of the season. This shift comes after Gabriel started the second and third preseason games, showcasing his potential and earning more playing time.

With Gabriel taking on the role of backup, Shedeur Sanders is expected to take the third-string position. It’s possible that Sanders may end up on the practice squad or see limited action early in the season. However, if Gabriel struggles or if the Browns face a challenging schedule, there could be opportunities for Sanders to step in.

A Challenging Schedule Ahead

Cleveland’s schedule is particularly tough in the first six weeks of the season, starting with a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and followed by five consecutive games against playoff teams from 2024. This stretch could test the team’s depth and resilience, especially if Flacco faces any issues.

If the Browns’ playoff hopes diminish during this difficult period, the team may look to move Gabriel into a starting role. This could also open the door for Shedeur Sanders to see more action, depending on how well Gabriel performs in the middle and second halves of the season.

Potential Return of Tyler Huntley

Another possibility for the Browns is bringing back recently released quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley was the only quarterback in the organization to play in all three of the team’s preseason games. He was previously with the Browns last year before being cut in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Huntley then signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he started five games in 2024.

Huntley’s experience and familiarity with the team could make him a valuable addition if the Browns need a fourth quarterback. This move could provide insurance in case Flacco gets injured or underperforms in the early part of the season.

Looking Ahead

With these moves, the Browns are positioning themselves for a competitive season while also preparing for potential challenges ahead. The team’s decisions reflect a strategic approach to managing their quarterback depth and ensuring they have the right players in place for the upcoming campaign. As the regular season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s performance.