On Thursday evening, the Carolina Panthers finalized a one-year contract worth $7.5 million with veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett, aiming to bolster their depth behind Bryce Young. As Pickett prepares for his 28-year-old season in 2026, the Panthers are positioning him as their new backup, adding fresh competition and potential behind the young starter.
Future of Andy Dalton with the Panthers
The Panthers could potentially retain Andy Dalton, carrying three quarterbacks on the roster, though this appears unlikely. General Manager Dan Morgan expressed openness to exploring trade options for Dalton, saying,
“
Morgan told The Pat McAfee Show.
Andy’s a really good player, and he’s a great guy, great culture fit for us. I haven’t talked to any teams about a trade, but I think if the possibility did come up that I would talk to Andy, give him that option, and let him explore a trade.”
With Dalton turning 39 this fall and limited trade interest expected, the Panthers may eventually release him. Dalton fulfilled his role as mentor to Bryce Young and provided reliability as a backup, but Carolina seems set to move forward with a younger option.
Evaluating Kenny Pickett’s Signing
The signing earns a B- grade due to the Panthers’ roster priorities and salary limitations. With other pressing needs demanding financial resources, the team avoided a high-cost backup quarterback deal exceeding $10 million annually. Several more seasoned options were available, potentially offering better fits. One notable alternative could have been Geno Smith, who has prior chemistry with offensive coordinator Dave Canales, thanks to their time together in Seattle. This connection would have mirrored the familiarity Carolina sought when signing Dalton.
Pickett’s skill set includes a moderately strong arm but a tendency to occasionally put the ball at risk. His strengths lie in quick and intermediate passing, combined with athletic mobility similar to Bryce Young’s style. This move presents low risk while giving Canales a younger, developmental backup he has wanted since joining the Panthers. If Pickett adapts well, he could become a valuable asset for Carolina’s offense moving forward.
Impact and Outlook for Panthers’ Quarterback Depth
Adding Pickett represents a cautious yet hopeful investment in the Panthers’ quarterback depth chart, providing competition and a potential future beyond Bryce Young. The transition away from Dalton reflects Carolina’s determination to build a younger roster with long-term potential. While uncertainty remains regarding Dalton’s status, Pickett’s arrival could stabilize the backup role and give offensive coordinator Dave Canales the flexibility to develop a new quarterback tailored to his system. As the offseason unfolds, the Panthers’ quarterback situation will continue to evolve, with Pickett’s performance likely shaping the team’s depth decisions in 2026.
