March 8, 2026, 12:35 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers might try to get their hands on a former first-round pick.
Among his final notes ahead of the opening of this year’s legal tampering period, ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler links the Panthers to free-agent quarterback Kenny Pickett. Fowler notes that Pickett is a “name to watch” in Carolina’s search for a fresh backup behind Bryce Young.
Well, the organization watched him back in the 2022 NFL Draft—when the Panthers were in the market for a new starting quarterback. But Carolina ultimately passed up on the University of Pittsburgh standout, who stayed local with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 20th overall selection.
Pickett has gone on to pick up additional stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns and, most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders. The 27-year-old has started in 27 of his 36 pro appearances while throwing for 4,953 yards, 16 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, a 62.4-percent completion rate and a 78.2 passer rating.
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