Kenny Pickett’s NFL career has taken several unexpected turns since he was selected in the first round of the 2022 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Once seen as a cornerstone for the Steelers’ future, Pickett now finds himself at the heart of some of the league’s most closely watched trades. Let’s explore the events that shaped his journey, the trades involving his name, and what fans can expect as a new chapter unfolds.

From Steelers Hopeful to Trade Asset

Kenny Pickett arrived in Pittsburgh amidst high expectations. He brought a decorated college career and the hope of steadying the Steelers at quarterback for years to come. However, after just two seasons, it became clear that Pickett would not be the long-term answer the franchise sought. Following inconsistent performances and heightened competition at the position, the front office decided to seek value through a trade.

The Steelers agreed to trade Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. The full details of the trade reveal that the Steelers exchanged their once first-round quarterback for a package including a 2024 third-round pick (used on linebacker Payton Wilson) and future seventh-rounders. The Eagles, meanwhile, added depth behind Jalen Hurts and later maneuvered their assets strategically in subsequent deals.

Eagles’ Calculated Moves and Quick Turnaround

Pickett’s tenure as an Eagle was brief but not without significance. He made a single start, performing well as a backup, and even earned a Super Bowl ring during his time in Philadelphia. Yet the Eagles continued their reshuffling at quarterback. They traded Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in a swap involving Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick (trade details here).

The Eagles’ wheeling and dealing paid off. They leveraged the fifth-round pick, packaging it to move up in the 2025 NFL Draft and select Jihaad Campbell in the first round. This sequence of trades showcased Philadelphia’s adept front office and its ability to maximize assets—even from short-term acquisitions like Pickett.

Cleveland Browns: A New Beginning for Pickett

For Kenny Pickett, the move to Cleveland offers a fresh start surrounded by new competition. The Browns, seeking stability amid injuries and uncertainties at quarterback, see Pickett as a high-upside addition. According to reports, Pickett remains determined to seize the starting job. At a recent event at his alma mater Pitt, he stated, “That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out. I want to go play.” You can read more about Pickett’s mindset and the Browns’ trade strategy on Dawgs By Nature.

With the addition of veteran Joe Flacco and the ongoing saga regarding Deshaun Watson’s health, Pickett’s opportunity in Cleveland may hinge on his performance in camp and preseason. While he has yet to establish himself as a true franchise starter, the Browns’ quarterback room now features a mix of youth and experience—a recipe that could benefit both team and player.

What’s Next for Kenny Pickett?

The past two years have been a whirlwind for Kenny Pickett. Despite each team moving on relatively quickly, he remains young and determined to prove himself in the NFL. Both the Steelers and Eagles found value in their deals, but the real winner of this offseason saga might still be Pickett himself—if he can capitalize on the chance in Cleveland.

As fans await the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Pickett’s progress and the evolving story of three interconnected franchises. To keep up with the latest on Kenny Pickett’s journey, be sure to follow updates from league insiders and official team sources. Is this the beginning of a new era for Pickett, or will his NFL odyssey continue? Only time will tell.