Kenny Pickett’s Unusual Journey in the NFL
Kenny Pickett has had quite the rollercoaster ride in his NFL career thus far. While it might not have been a story filled with accolades, it’s certainly one that stands out for its unexpected twists and turns.
Early Days: A Promising Start with the Steelers
Drafted as a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett began his professional journey with high expectations. Fans hoped he could resurrect a franchise in transition. In his first two seasons—2022 and 2023—he played a significant role, albeit with mixed results. While Pickett did showcase flashes of potential, his overall performance left much to be desired.
Transition to the Eagles and the Backup Role
After a lackluster start in Pittsburgh, the 2024 season saw Pickett traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. This move would see him playing behind star quarterback Jalen Hurts, a role that tested his resilience and adaptability. Over the course of his tenure in Philadelphia, he participated in five games, primarily serving as a backup. This period was pivotal for Pickett as he learned from one of the league’s top performers, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to secure a starting position.
Shifting to the Browns: Competitive Landscape
In a surprising turn of events, Pickett was traded again, this time to the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick and rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The move highlighted the ongoing dynamics of the NFL, where teams continuously evaluate their rosters. Joining the Browns meant stepping into a competitive quarterback room that included veterans like Joe Flacco and promising newcomers such as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Another Trade: A Move to the Raiders
Unfortunately for Pickett, he struggled to cement his place during the preseason with the Browns. After failing to stand out among the competition, Cleveland opted to trade him once more, this time to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick. This marked a notable milestone for Pickett: he became only the second player in history to be traded three times within his first four seasons in the league.
A Unique Club: The Company He Keeps
The rarity of Pickett’s situation becomes apparent when considering that another quarterback, Sam Howell, also achieved this unusual distinction shortly before him. Howell was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Eagles, making headlines with his own rapid transitions. The significance of these trades emphasizes the fluid nature of the NFL, where even first-round picks can find themselves on multiple teams in a short span.
Raiders: A New Opportunity
Now in Las Vegas, Pickett is set to serve as the primary backup to veteran quarterback Geno Smith. The Raiders needed depth in their quarterback room following an injury to Aidan O’Connell, who is sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a fractured wrist. With Pickett, the Raiders not only acquire a seasoned backup—Smith will soon turn 35—but a player with genuine starting experience.
Reflections on Pickett’s Performance
During his rookie season, Pickett had a respectable run, starting 12 games and leading the Steelers to a 7-5 record. He threw for 2,404 yards, boasting a ratio of seven touchdowns to nine interceptions. Despite the stats painting a somewhat unflattering picture, Pickett’s determination and ability to win games kept him in the conversation as a developing talent.
Browns’ Decision: A Surprising Trade
Despite the Browns previously indicating they would prefer to retain four quarterbacks on their roster, they ultimately decided that the trade offer from the Raiders was too enticing to ignore. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering that Pickett is still regarded as a promising player with upside. His journey thus far illustrates the complexities and ever-changing nature of the NFL landscape.
As Kenny Pickett embarks on this new chapter with the Raiders, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this talented yet tumultuous career trajectory continues to unfold. Will he find stability in Las Vegas, or will he face more challenges ahead? Only time will tell.