The Carolina Panthers have added quarterback Kenny Pickett, agreeing to a one-year, $7.5 million contract that includes $4 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Pickett, 27, spent the 2025 season as the Las Vegas Raiders’ backup to Geno Smith, appearing in six games and making two starts. Over that span, he threw for 188 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, completing 62.2% of his passes with a QBR of 3.4.
Pickett’s journey to Las Vegas began last August when the Raiders traded a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns after Aidan O’Connell was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Originally a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Pickett spent two seasons in Pittsburgh before a March 2024 trade sent him to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over 36 career games, including 27 starts, Pickett has thrown for 4,953 yards with 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and holds a 16-11 record as a starter. The Panthers are now bringing him in as veteran depth behind their current QB room.
