The future of former Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett has been called into question following the 2025 NFL Draft. Pickett was recently traded to the Cleveland Browns, but with the team facing a tough decision at the quarterback position, he may soon be on the move again.
Three Potential Trade Destinations for Kenny Pickett
The Browns turned heads by adding two new quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. After selecting Dillon Gabriel in Round 3, Cleveland caused a stir by finally taking Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. Sanders was originally linked with the Browns’ second overall pick, but character concerns led to the player’s unprecedented draft slide.
The Browns now have four quarterbacks on the roster, not including the injured Deshaun Watson. With the team likely wanting to cut that number down to three by September, Pickett has been tipped to be the odd man out. Pickett spent the 2024 season backing up Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles, but has a 15-10 record as a starter.
With the player potentially on the move, here is a three-team shortlist of potential destinations for the former Steeler.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are one of two NFL teams potentially in need of a starting quarterback. Given that Pickett already played for the Steelers and was traded after just two seasons, it’s a safe bet that his former team won’t be interested. That leaves the New Orleans Saints, who are dealing with the retirement of Derek Carr.
The Saints did spend a second-round pick on Louisville prospect Tyler Shough, but relying on the rookie immediately, with little backup, would be a big move. If Pickett is, indeed, available, he could be an ideal signing if Carr were to miss significant time.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders moved on from Gardner Minshew following the 2024 season and likely have little more faith in Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell has started 17 games over his first two NFL seasons, winning seven, while struggling to beat out mediocre competition for the starting job.
The Raiders recently signed Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, sending a third-round pick in the opposite direction. Smith is unquestionably the starter in Las Vegas, but the team may want to solidify the position further. Pickett wouldn’t rock the boat in terms of challenging for the starting role, but would arguably provide a more competent backup plan should Smith get hurt.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons caused a stir in 2024 by taking Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft, weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive long-term contract. A year on, Cousins looks to have lost his starting job to Penix, prompting significant trade talk.
Cousins would be unlikely to leave for another backup role, but with both the Saints and Steelers potentially needing a starter, a move is very possible. If Cousins were to move, the Falcons would have an opening for a backup quarterback, with Pickett an ideal candidate.