Kenny Pickett

Pickett is a backup QB on the Raiders behind Gardner Minshew with no clear path to consistent starting opportunities. His trade value of 1166 reflects minimal dynasty relevance for a backup signal-caller.

Currently third on the depth chart behind Geno Smith and competing with Aidan O'Connell. Last start (Week 15 vs Eagles) was catastrophic: 15/25, 64 yards, 1 INT, 0 TDs, 4 sacks in a 31-0 loss.

Season stats: 27/41 passing (4.5 YPA) with 1 TD/1 INT across 5 games. Week 18 start vs KC resulted in 1/4, 3 yards, 1 INT in first quarter before being benched. Zero momentum or redeeming qualities demonstrated.

Pickett posted disastrous 2025 stats (27/41, 185 yards, 1 TD/1 INT, 4.5 YPA) across 5 games, including a Week 18 benching after 1/4, 3 yards, 1 INT in one quarter. Zero demonstrated value even with opportunity.

The Raiders fired Pete Carroll after one season and hired Klint Kubiak as new HC. The team is expected to draft Fernando Mendoza 1st overall and may cut Geno Smith, leaving no role for Pickett in Vegas.

Pickett has been on four NFL teams in four years (Steelers → Eagles → Browns → Raiders → Panthers), a pattern that signals he is viewed as a journeyman backup rather than a franchise piece. Teams are not committing long-term resources to him.

Young has durability questions at his slight frame, and any in-season injury immediately elevates Pickett into a functional Carolina offense that now features a legitimate skill group. Spot-start streamer value in deep superflex formats.

Carolina is in active rebuild mode with a thin QB room. A 1-year deal worth up to $7.5M suggests the Panthers may be auditioning Pickett as a bridge starter, not just a clipboard holder. If Carolina does not draft a QB early, Pickett has a real path to 17 starts.

As a free agent backup QB, Pickett could land on a team needing veteran depth. However, his 2025 tape provides no competitive advantage over other available backups in a crowded market.

At 27, Pickett is not past the window for a late-bloomer QB arc — the position has the longest value curve in dynasty. If he lands a starting job and posts competent numbers, his value floor could rebuild modestly by mid-2026.

Multiple analysts have noted Young is 'on the hot seat' if he regresses from his 2025 playoff campaign. A slow start in 2026 could accelerate a timeline where Pickett gets extended looks, particularly given Carolina's organizational impatience at the position historically.

A competent 2026 showing — even in spot starts — could position Pickett as a $10–15M bridge signing in 2027 when teams inevitably need short-term QB solutions, restoring marginal dynasty relevance.