Panthers' Backup QB Dilemma: Pickett or Draft?

0:00It's April 1st. This is NFL news today, powered by AI tracking teams, players and standings. Carolina Panthers fans, let's talk quarterbacks. Bryce Young looks like their long-term answer after showing real promise these past two seasons. They gotta give him a space to grow. But the backup spot? Still a headache. Now with 27-year-old Kenny Pickett stepping in for Andy Dalton as the number 2 guy, earlier this week at the league meetings, head coach Dave Canales made it clear he's not eyeing the draft for a new arm. He wants experienced players who've been trained, and he plans to build on Pickett's background from Pitt. Panthers supporters aren't thrilled, and you can see why. Pickett's pro record is rough. In 36 NFL games, he's got 16 touchdowns matched by 16 picks, a passer rating of 78. 2. And his QBR last year in six starts was a dismal 3.4. He brings some mobility, but he doesn't upgrade much over Dalton as a reliable backup.

1:00Canales earn buzz as a play-caller in Tampa, but turning around this situation? That's unproven territory. Bottom line. If Young's sideline, the offense crumbles without a solid plan B. The Panthers need to scout that 2026 draft class now to avoid getting caught flat-footed.