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Browns Trade Kenny Pickett to Raiders, Name Dillon Gabriel QB2 Behind Joe Flacco

Cleveland emphasizes short‑term stability with Joe Flacco, setting a defined development track for its two rookies.

Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) looks on during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images/File Photo
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after the team's 17-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams
Dillon Gabriel #5 and Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns look on prior to an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Aug. 8, 2025.

Overview

  • The Browns sent Kenny Pickett to the Raiders for a 2026 fifth‑round pick as Las Vegas sought insurance behind starter Geno Smith with Aidan O’Connell sidelined by a fractured wrist.
  • Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Joe Flacco as the Week 1 starter and named third‑rounder Dillon Gabriel the backup, with rookie Shedeur Sanders designated as the emergency third quarterback.
  • Cleveland trimmed its room by releasing Tyler Huntley and will carry three active quarterbacks into the season while Deshaun Watson remains on reserve/PUP for at least four games as he rehabs an Achilles injury.
  • Pickett dealt with a hamstring issue during camp and did not play in the preseason, and the deal effectively recoups the fifth‑round pick Cleveland spent to acquire him in March.
  • Gabriel outperformed Sanders across camp and preseason, and Stefanski cited an all‑encompassing evaluation from practices and games in awarding Gabriel the QB2 role for the Sept. 7 opener vs. the Bengals.