NFL Insider: Steelers' AFC North Rival Cleveland Browns May Already Be Looking To Trade Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in quarterback purgatory despite the signing of four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers. The veteran's presence is expected to just be a one-year fix, which is what the team has had a lot of in recent seasons. The retirement of Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 campaign left a void that has yet to be truly filled. It is almost certain that the organization will make an aggressive move in 2026 for a signal-caller, but for now, there are still glaring questions about the future. Only time will tell if the franchise can finally figure out the position.

Fans were ecstatic when the team's front office made the move to draft University of Pittsburgh product, Kenny Pickett, in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the relationship did not last long and after just two years playing for the Steelers, Pickett was shipped off to the Philadelphia Eagles via trade. He went on to be the backup for a Super Bowl-winning group.

Playing for his favorite team growing up didn't last long; however, as Pickett was dealt to the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 offseason. Not too long after, he was thrown into the league's most crowded quarterback room featuring himself along with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Many are wondering what the Browns will do with the position, and Pickett may be the odd man out.

In a recent article, NFL insider, Mike Florio, pointed out that he's not sure he buys the notion of Cleveland carrying four (healthy) signal-callers on the 53-man roster. He speculated that the reports that suggest such are actually just a way for the Browns to create trade leverage, most likely for Pickett.

"It’s entirely possible that the Browns are putting out the notion that they plan to take all four quarterbacks to training camp in order to create some/any trade leverage," Florio wrote. "If no one believes they’ll keep quarterbacks in the fold for camp (one of them surely won’t get the reps he needs to compete), no one will be willing to offer anything for the odd man out (we continue to think that, if there is one, it’s Pickett)."

It would make sense overall for Cleveland to push the narrative that all four healthy quarterbacks will have a chance to compete for a starting job. If another organization is interested in Pickett, now would be the time to attempt a trade if the belief is that he could somehow win the starting job for the Browns. If he doesn't and is useless, any possible trade partner could simply way for Pickett to be released when rosters are cut down from 90 to 53 players.

Pickett has been away from Pittsburgh for roughly a year and a half now, but the constant speculation about his ability to compete and start at the NFL level paints a very specific picture about the 2022 NFL Draft. The Steelers reached for a quarterback because panic mode set in after Roethlisberger hung up his cleats. Now, there's a chance that Pickett is on his fourth team in four years if the Browns do indeed try to deal him.

This is also relevant to Pittsburgh because Cleveland is an AFC North opponent. Whichever individual wins out the starting job will be expected to play against the Steelers twice in 2025. The drama will continue to build as training camp approaches, but Pickett could hypothetically be on his way out if he wasn't impressive enough during the early portion of offseason activities.

Steelers Will Look To Ace 2026 NFL Draft

With an expected 12 selections, Pittsburgh will be in a great position when the draft is held in the Steel City come April of 2026. There can't be any kind of reach at the quarterback spot, however. The front office needs to get very aggressive and make a move that will be focused on the future. Rodgers is a nice bandaid, but the organization can't afford to fail again as it did with Pickett.

Do you think that the former Steelers quarterback in Pickett could be traded by the Browns already? Let us know in the comments below!

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