The Philadelphia Eagles have had a quiet first day of the League’s legal tampering period. While many former Eagles have found new homes, the reigning Super Bowl Champions were quiet until making a notable trade Monday late afternoon, sending backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the deal.
Philadelphia will reportedly receive backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick (165 via DET) in return for Pickett, who the team originally acquired Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers by moving down 22 spots in the 2024 NFL Draft from pick 98 to pick 120, and two seven-round picks.
Pickett played in seven games last season with the Eagles between the regular and postseason, primarily to protect Jalen Hurts when the game was out of reach. Pickett threw for just 291 yards but did manage the total touchdowns as well.
In Cleveland, he will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job in what is perhaps the most confounding QB room in the league.
As for Philadelphia, the Eagles now bring in Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will compete with Tanner McKee, who, in two games last season, three for 323 yards and four touchdowns, impressing many from camp to preseason to his regular season appearances.
Thompson-Robinson, the former 140th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, played in seven games last season for the Browns, throwing for 440 yards, zero touchdowns, and six interceptions. It stands to reason that McKee has a major advantage in the position battle, but Thompson-Robinson does provide a good deal more mobility at the position, similar to Jalen Hurts.
While McKee should be the unquestioned favorite entering the new season, the position battle could become an interesting one to watch.
