The Carolina Panthers have signed quarterback Kenny Pickett to a one-year, $7.5 million contract that includes $4 million in guarantees, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 27-year-old veteran backup joins the Panthers after spending last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he appeared in six games behind Geno Smith.

Pickett's career has been a journey through multiple organizations. The Raiders acquired him from the Cleveland Browns last August in exchange for a fifth-round pick after backup Aidan O'Connell suffered a wrist injury. Before that, Pickett was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, spent two seasons there, and was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024.

In his career, Pickett has started 27 games and posted a 16-11 record. He has thrown for 4,953 yards with 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions across 36 career games. His completion rate stands at 62.2% with a QBR of 3.4. The Panthers' move signals their continued search for quarterback stability as they look to build around their offensive weapons.