Canales Hyped for Pickett's Backup Role

0:00It's March 31st. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Durham News Today, local news powered by AI. Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canalis is hyped about his new back-up quarterback, Kenny Pickett, stepping in behind Bryce Young for the 20. 26 season. In his third year with the team, Canalis sees Pickett as a guy on the verge of a big comeback, not here to challenge Young, but to build and shine as a solid number two. Pickett got drafted 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2022, started there for two rough years then bounced around. He backed up Jalen Hertz with the Eagles, snagged the Super Bowl ring after their 2024 win, got traded to the Browns, then the Raiders, after the 2025 preseason and now lands with Carolina as his 15 in five years. Canalis is drawing parallels to quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield who flipped their careers, praising Pickett's smarts, work ethic, and exposure to pro systems. For Young in his

1:01key fourth year pushing for long-term deal and playoffs, Pickett brings real value as insurance and a mentor on the sideline. Kellen Moore, who coached with the Eagles in 2024, raved about Pickett's backup prep like stepping in for late-game wins against Washington and Dallas. He handled film work and practice support for Hertz smoothly, and that same vibe could lift Young now. Panthers are betting low risk on Pickett's upside while Young leads the charge, and Canalis can't wait to help craft whatever comes next in his. Journey.