The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with quarterback Kenny Pickett, bringing him back to the East Coast, according to reports on March 10. Pickett, who spent the previous season with the Las Vegas Raiders, will join a roster that includes Andy Dalton and Bryce Young.
The move is part of general manager Dan Morgan’s effort to add youth at the backup quarterback position and provide competition for Dalton while developing a younger passer behind Young. At 27 years old, Pickett has already played for four NFL teams.
Pickett began his college career at Pittsburgh, where he started as a backup before leading his team in a significant win against the then-undefeated Miami Hurricanes. “You think you can do something and you see it in your head over and over again and the next thing you know, it’s happening before your eyes,” Pickett told reporters at the time. “That wasn’t the first time for me, but this was the biggest stage for me.” He later returned for an extra season granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing with one of the top passing totals in college football that year and earning several awards.
After being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft by Pittsburgh, Pickett played two seasons there before being traded to Philadelphia following Russell Wilson’s signing by Pittsburgh. During his time with Philadelphia, he earned a Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts’ backup and appeared in five games during their championship season.
Pickett has previously played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, leading Pittsburgh to victory in an ACC Championship game held there. The stadium serves as home field for Carolina Panthers games in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the official website. The Panthers have secured multiple division titles and playoff appearances according to their official website.
With this signing, Pickett will reunite with former college teammate Patrick Jones II on the Panthers roster. The organization extends its presence throughout North and South Carolina according to its official website, supports community outreach across both states according to its official website, emphasizes building a championship culture while engaging fans according to its official website, and offers various ticketing options for supporters according to its official website.
Looking ahead, observers will watch how Pickett fits into Carolina’s plans as they continue efforts both on and off the field.
