Former Super Bowl Backup QB Signs with Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are adding another name to their quarterback room with a new signing. They agreed to a one-year contract with Kenny Pickett, worth just under eight million dollars. While not at the point in his career to be a starter, Pickett could still be a good locker room presence for the team. Even if he were called upon to take some snaps, there are worse quarterbacks to have rather than someone who has started games in four of the previous seasons.

Pickett in Pittsburgh Wasn’t a Match

After being touted as the top quarterback prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers were happy to see Pickett fall to them at the 20th pick in the first round. After initially starting the season with Mitch Trubisky, the Steelers gave the keys to Pickett in Week Five, making him the starter for the rest of the year. While it was an underwhelming rookie campaign, he still had promise going into his second year as the starter. Unfortunately, he never excelled in Pittsburgh, requesting a trade following the team’s acquisition of Russell Wilson in 2024.

Pickett Struggled to Find Permanent NFL Home

The Steelers traded Pickett to the Eagles one day after signing Wilson, signaling a new chapter for the Steelers. For the Eagles, Pickett became established as the team’s backup, starting one game after Jalen Hurts was ruled out with a concussion. After a Super Bowl-winning season in Philly, he was shipped back to the AFC North, but not in the state of Pennsylvania this time. Pickett joined the Browns in a loaded quarterback room that saw him compete with three other men for the starting quarterback job. After failing to overcome the likes of Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, he was traded yet again. The Raiders became the fourth team that Pickett suited up with under his rookie contract, serving as Geno Smith’s backup until an injury forced him to start two games.

Is There Still a Chance for Pickett?

The career for the former Pitt Panther hasn’t worked out thus far. However, there’s still a chance for him to make his NFL career worthwhile like many other career backups. Other first-round picks-turned-backups like Trubisky, Blaine Gabbert, and Teddy Bridgewater endured long NFL careers despite not being exceptional during their time as starters. Hopefully, while in Carolina, Pickett can prove his worth to stay in the league a few more years through his locker room presence so that he can maintain his role as a backup.