Former Pitt QB Kenny Pickett Heads to Fifth NFL Team

Pickett signs one-year deal with Carolina Panthers after tumultuous start to pro career

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Former Pitt quarterback and Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett has signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, his fifth NFL team in five seasons. Pickett, a first-round draft pick in 2022, has struggled to find consistent success in the pros after a standout college career at Pitt.

Why it matters

Pickett was once considered a promising young quarterback, but his inability to stick with one team and produce at the NFL level raises questions about his long-term viability as a starter. This move to Carolina represents a chance for Pickett to revive his career and prove he can be a reliable option under center.

The details

After being drafted 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Pickett had a solid rookie season, completing 63% of his passes for 2,404 yards and 7 touchdowns. However, his career has since gone backwards, with stints with the Eagles, Browns, and Raiders over the past three seasons. In Carolina, Pickett will look to back up starter Bryce Young and try to resurrect his NFL aspirations.

  • Pickett was drafted by the Steelers in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • In 2023, Pickett started 12 games for the Steelers, going 7-5 before getting injured.
  • Pickett was traded to the Eagles in 2024 and was a backup on their Super Bowl-winning team.
  • In 2025, Pickett was traded to the Browns and then the Raiders, where he appeared in 6 games.
  • Pickett signed a 1-year, $7.5 million deal with the Panthers on March 10, 2026.

The players

Kenny Pickett

A former first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 who has struggled to find consistent success in the NFL after a standout college career at the University of Pittsburgh.

Bryce Young

The starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, who Pickett will look to backup and learn from.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Pickett will look to make the most of his opportunity in Carolina and prove he can be a reliable NFL quarterback after struggling to find a permanent home in his first few seasons.

The takeaway

Pickett's journey from promising first-round pick to journeyman quarterback highlights the challenges young players can face in transitioning to the NFL. This move to Carolina represents a chance for Pickett to reset his career and show he can be a valuable contributor at the professional level.