Even with little use on the back of Jal Hurts, the Super Bowl MMP left in 2024 with an ax after achieving 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and 1 touchdown in one start against the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he's starting a new chapter back in the AFC Nard (where he started with the Pittsburgh Steelers) with the Cleveland Browns.

Kenny Pickett trade,” “Eagles Browns trade,”

Trade-off — what does a competing team get

A simple but impactful compromise:

Cleveland Browns-Available: Quarterback Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles get: Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a 2025 fifth-round pick (via Detroit Lions).

Philly-Roseman acquired Pickett and a fourth-round pick (120) from the Steelers in March 2024, in exchange for a third-rounder that turned into Peyton Wilson. He then turned a fourth-round pick into a 2025 third-rounder. Now, the Eagles are bolstering the troops behind Hurts by getting fifth-round pick Thompson-Robinson.

Browns' QB crisis — Pickett's reasonableness

Cleveland's QB room is a mess. Deshaun Watson (the Browns’ $230 million investment) tore his right Achilles tendon again in January 2025 (first in October 2024). By way of a Jameis Winston free agent, there are DTR's poor performance (51.7% completion in 2024, 0 TD, 6 interceptions). Pickett (age 26) has earned 4,765 yards, 15 TDs and 14 interceptions with the Steelers as a 14-10 starter. He fit with the second pick of the 2025 draft (Cam Ward, or Shedeur Sanders).

Eagles' trick — depth, picks, backup like Hurts

Trading Pickett in Philly is an outstanding decision by the roster system. Jaylon Hurts has been key here, while Tanner McKee (323 yards and 4 TDs in 2024) has been outstanding. That made the picket unnecessary. Giving up a $2.6-million cap hit, "DTR" (walking 25-year-old) mimics Hurts' style.

Pickett’s future — starter or stopgap?

Pickett's journey restless. Picked 20th out of Pittsburgh in 2022, but traded to Philly upon the arrival of Russell Wilson. Now, he gets a golden opportunity on the Browns. A 62.4% completion rate and winning record will give him consistency.

The future — what’s next?

8 draft picks for the Eagles, QB options for the Browns (freshman rookie or veteran). With cap space on Watson's restructured contract, Cleveland will determine Pickett's role.