A former first-round Pitt quarterback settling into a veteran backup role, now in Carolina behind Bryce Young.
Kenny Pickett is a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, signed in 2026 free agency. The Pittsburgh product and 2022 first-round pick joins Carolina as the clear No. 2 behind Bryce Young after spending 2025 as a backup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Path to the league
Pickett was a standout at Pittsburgh and the Steelers drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After his Pittsburgh tenure, he moved on as a journeyman, landing with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2025 season behind starter Geno Smith.
Career highlights
Pickett brings valuable starting experience and former first-round pedigree to a backup role. On March 9, 2026, the Panthers agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, including $4 million guaranteed, slotting him in behind Young and replacing veteran Andy Dalton, who was traded to Philadelphia.
2025 season
As a backup with the Raiders in 2025, Pickett appeared in six games with two starts, completing 28 of 45 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He signed with Carolina that offseason to add depth behind Young as the Panthers looked to build on a 2025 division title.
Sources
- Panthers.com: Reports: Panthers agree to terms with quarterback Kenny Pickett
- ESPN: Kenny Pickett player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Passing
6 games played▶Passing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CMP | ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RTG | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | raiders | 6 | 28 | 45 | 188 | 1 | 2 | 60.2 | 3.4 |
| 2024 | eagles | 5 | 25 | 42 | 291 | 2 | 1 | 86.5 | 73.1 |
| 2023 | steelers | 12 | 201 | 324 | 2,070 | 6 | 4 | 81.4 | 38.9 |
| 2022 | steelers | 13 | 245 | 389 | 2,404 | 7 | 9 | 76.7 | 53.6 |
▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | raiders | 6 | 5 | 22 | 4.4 | 0 | 9 |
| 2024 | eagles | 5 | 9 | 15 | 1.7 | 1 | 8 |
| 2023 | steelers | 12 | 42 | 54 | 1.3 | 1 | 11 |
| 2022 | steelers | 13 | 55 | 237 | 4.3 | 3 | 23 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Quarterback
- Group
- offense
- College
- Pittsburgh
- Hometown
- Oakhurst, NJ, USA
- Age
- 28
- Status
- active
Latest news about Kenny Pickett
All news →Haynes King's Walk-Off TD Lifts Panthers Past Cardinals 33-30 in Hall of Fame Game
The undrafted rookie improvised a game-winning scramble as time expired, capping a back-and-forth shootout that also featured a sharp NFL debut from Arizona's Carson Beck.
How to Watch the 2026 Hall of Fame Game: Panthers vs. Cardinals
Kickoff, TV channel, and streaming options for tonight's Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals matchup, the first preseason game of the 2026 NFL season.
Stephen A. Smith calls Aaron Rodgers' Steelers return 'an indictment of the organization'
The ESPN host says Pittsburgh has spent four years failing to replace Ben Roethlisberger and is now paying the price.
