CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On March 21, 2022, Kenny Pickett partook in a midday meal with Dave Canales at Fat Head’s Saloon, a South Pittsburgh brewery, subsequent to the quarterback’s practice session during Pitt’s pro day.
Canales served as the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach two years prior to assuming the role of Carolina’s head coach. However, he had already begun to cultivate a reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” after contributing to the revitalization of Geno Smith’s career and elevating Russell Wilson’s performance in Seattle.
That particular lunch with Canales, along with subsequent discussions with Smith, left such a profound impact on Pickett — who was chosen as the No. 20 pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 — that he committed to Carolina as a free agent last week (a one-year deal with $4 million guaranteed and a $7.5 million maximum potential value).
“He’s genuinely one of the individuals you aspire to be affiliated with in this league, in this line of work,” Pickett remarked about Canales during a recent video conference with journalists. “It’s a demanding industry, but exceptional individuals make it considerably more manageable.”
Canales brought Pickett, 27, aboard to cultivate his skills behind Bryce Young, the top selection in the 2023 draft. He assumes the position previously held by 38-year-old Andy Dalton, who was transferred to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
The Panthers sought to acquire younger and more agile talent for the position.
Pickett, who achieved a 14-10 record during his initial two seasons with the Steelers, still holds aspirations of becoming a primary starter. He also comprehends his assignment with Carolina and articulated his conviction that collaborating with Canales will eventually assist him in securing another chance.
“My primary desire was to join an excellent framework with outstanding individuals,” stated Pickett, who was the Eagles’ reserve during their 2024 Super Bowl triumph and the Las Vegas Raiders’ backup in 2025. “That’s precisely my current situation, approaching it one day at a time, dedicating significant effort this offseason to enhance my performance in the conditioning room and on the playing field.”
“This revamped framework is my immediate priority. I’m deliberately avoiding looking too far into the future. My aim is to be a constructive addition to this squad and offer assistance in any capacity possible.”
Pickett also shares a connection with Young dating back to 2021, when both were finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Young triumphed following a stellar campaign at Alabama, while Pickett secured third place. The pair also spent a brief period together last August during a joint practice with Cleveland, when Pickett was briefly with the Browns before being traded to the Raiders.
“Bryce is an admirable person,” Pickett commented. “I hold immense respect for him and the path he has traveled. He appears to be ceaselessly striving, continually seeking to progress. Consequently, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with him.”
Despite an 8-8 record as the starter last season after going 6-22 in his first two seasons, Young’s 2025 Total QBR stood at 47.5, placing him 22nd in the NFL. His 14 career victories are two fewer than Pickett’s 16-11 record as a starter.
Nonetheless, Pickett observed sufficient development in Young, coupled with the turnarounds experienced by other quarterbacks Canales has coached, to conclude that Charlotte represented the optimal destination as a free agent.
He continues to envision himself securing a starting chance, akin to what Daniel Jones (Colts) and Malik Willis (Dolphins) have discovered in the subsequent phases of their careers.
“Absolutely,” Pickett affirmed. “That remains the ultimate objective. One must simply persist in working diligently, as the arrival of that opportunity is never certain.”
That was one of the subjects he discussed with Smith last season. Under Canales in 2022, the 2013 second-round selection by the New York Jets achieved a 9-8 record with 4,282 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination and was recognized as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He credited Canales, describing him as a “superb coach” with an “exceptional” methodology.
He forecasted that this approach would prove beneficial for Young.
“[Geno] had nothing but commendatory remarks concerning [Canales],” Pickett disclosed. “Hearing it directly from an athlete who collaborated with him was truly remarkable.”
The Panthers thoroughly assessed Pickett in 2022 when Matt Rhule held the position of head coach, Scott Fitterer served as general manager, and Sam Darnold was the quarterback before Baker Mayfield was acquired. They invited Pickett to Charlotte for a pre-draft visit but ultimately chose left tackle Ikem Ekwonu at No. 6.
“A multitude of unfamiliar faces this time around,” Pickett noted regarding his reappearance at Bank of America Stadium.
Pickett possesses at least one cherished memory from competing at BOA. He guided Pittsburgh to a 45-21 triumph over Wake Forest in the 2021 ACC championship game. He successfully completed 20 of 33 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
However, what truly stood out was his 58-yard touchdown scamper, assisted by a deceptive slide that the NCAA promptly outlawed for subsequent play.
Pickett couldn’t help but crack a smile about that incident.
“It’s a fantastic recollection,” Pickett stated. “That’s the reason for my grin. It was a momentous evening to accomplish it in Charlotte. I was a five-year participant, and our sole conversation revolved around clinching the ACC championship.”
“It was quite remarkable. Hopefully, we can forge more magnificent recollections to witness.”