The Philadelphia Eagles made a surprising move to open their offseason, trading Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns. It marked the second straight offseason that Pickett had been traded, coming to Philadelphia to become Jalen Hurts’s backup last spring. But the team moved on in favor of third-string quarterback Tanner McKee.
A deal like this could have some hard feelings towards an organization that could have rebooted Pickett’s career. But when the 26-year-old took to social media to comment on the trade, he had a clear message to the Eagles as he looked toward a fresh start in Cleveland.
Kenny Pickett Says His Childhood Dream Came True With Eagles
Pickett’s response came in a post on his Instagram account where he thanked the Eagles organization for the past year. While he noted all of the people and relationships he had created over the past year, he also called the experience a childhood dream come true.
“Thank you to all of the great people I had the pleasure of working with in Philly,” Pickett wrote. “In one year, we created lifelong friendships and memories that I will always cherish!! Thank you to the great fans of Philadelphia, my childhood dream came true this season and playing in front of you was an honor!! Excited for this next chapter of my journey!! #DawgPound”
A native of Ocean Township, New Jersey, Pickett grew up as an Eagles fan and cherished the opportunity to win a Super Bowl with his childhood team. While he wasn’t the primary starter, Pickett saw action toward the end of last season after Hurts suffered a concussion, completing 59.5% of his passes for two touchdowns and an interception.
While Pickett wasn’t terrible in relief, McKee comes as a cheaper option along with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was acquired in Monday’s trade and it gives Pickett a chance to revive his career. Pickett and injured quarterback Deshaun Watson are the only players currently on the Browns roster ,and while playing for the Eagles may have been a childhood dream, heading to Cleveland will give him a better chance to start.