Kenny Pickett hopes to become the latest first-round pick to revamp his standing in the NFL.
The former Steelers No. 20 overall selection is on his fifth team in four years, having bounced from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to Cleveland to Las Vegas. This offseason, he signed in Carolina to learn under coach Dave Canales, battling for the backup spot behind Bryce Young.
"No. 1, I think it was coach Canales and the track record he has with quarterbacks at all the places he's been," Pickett said Tuesday of why he chose the Panthers, . "You know over his career, I've watched a lot of tape. I've seen him at different places and really like what he does.
"I feel like it's been similar to what I've done in college and what I did in Philly. So off that bat, that's No. 1 for me."
Canales helped rejuvenate Geno Smith's career in Seattle, kept the ball rolling with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, and has Young on track in Carolina.
Young is entrenched as the starter, but Pickett said their similar playing styles can help buoy both quarterbacks.
"I think [Bryce and I are] very similar in how we play," Pickett said. "I think we both operate well from the pocket, and when things break down, we can make plays on the move. I think coach does a lot of things play action-wise, boots, you get out on the edge, and we both can throw the ball well on the run.
"So, I think I think we kind of complement each other in what we do. We're excited to learn more about how he sees things, talk X's and O's, and get to know him better as a person first. But yeah, I think it's definitely exciting being in a room where you feel like we kind of play the same way and we kind of, the same mold of what they're looking for here."
Andy Dalton remains on the roster, and the Panthers have said they expect him and Pickett to battle for the backup role. Carolina has discussed trading Dalton, preferring to get younger behind Young.
Pickett struggled in his first two years as a starter in Pittsburgh, managing an inefficient offense, but showed flashes of playmaking, particularly late in games. He started three games the past two seasons in Philly and Vegas. For his career, Pickett has completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 4,953 yards with 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
The 27-year-old is comfortable backing up Young this season, but ultimately hopes to eventually get a shot at a starting role once again.
"Of course," Pickett said. "That's the ultimate goal. Things happen in this league, and you just keep working because you never know when that opportunity is going to come. I just want to be as prepared as I can be; you never know when that's going to happen.
"I just really want to get into a great system with great people. I think that's where I'm at now."
