The Carolina Panthers have signed quarterback Kenny Pickett to a one-year, $4 million contract, seeking a younger and more athletic backup for starter Bryce Young. Pickett, a former first-round pick, has struggled throughout his career, now playing for his fifth team since being drafted in 2022. He has 27 career starts but ranks poorly among NFL backups, coming in at 24th according to Gilberto Manzano. The Panthers moved on from Andy Dalton, who was unable to perform effectively as a backup last season. While Young has demonstrated impressive durability, being sacked frequently yet missing only two games due to injury, concerns remain about the team's depth at quarterback. If Young were to get hurt, the Panthers' offensive performance could suffer significantly, especially given Pickett's limitations as a backup. Although he may not be as ineffective as Dalton, expectations for Pickett's performance are low.