Report: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper ‘wants’ Kenny Pickett

Could Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper be pushing for the organization to select former Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett in the 2022 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers have some crucial upcoming decisions they need to nail at some of the most important positions on the field. General manager Scott Fitterer declared his intent to focus heavily on the offensive line and an “open” quarterback competition during his media availability at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, which the organization sorely needs after a disastrous season that saw the team lose 12 out of their final 14 contests after starting on a three-game winning streak.

Things will obviously happen quickly once free agency begins. This could alter how the Panthers approach the draft and the prospect of another bold trade for a veteran cannot be ruled out despite a huge swing and miss on Sam Darnold last year.

Matt Rhule’s status as head coach is hanging by a thread after a second-straight five-win campaign following his high-profile switch from Baylor. This could lead to more risks being taken, or it might lead to a longer-term approach with a signal-caller entering the league from the college ranks.

The rumor mill has been buzzing since the Senior Bowl surrounding the Panthers and Kenny Pickett, who Rhule originally recruited to Temple before the player opted out in favor of Pittsburgh. He emerged from relative obscurity to superstardom thanks to an exceptional 2021 season and is projected by most analysts to be the most pro-ready quarterback from a class that has come in for its fair share of criticism.

David Tepper reportedly wants Kenny Pickett on the Carolina Panthers

John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle fanned the flames further this week, claiming on 93.7 The Fan that it isn’t just Rhule that likes Pickett. Team owner David Tepper is also a big fan of the prospect and “wants” him to come on board.

This would be a franchise-altering gamble by the Panthers. Pickett had some nice moments during his combine drill workout on Thursday, but his small hands are generating some real concern that could impact where he’s drafted when it’s all said and done.

Pickett played up in Pittsburgh, which isn’t exactly the warmest climate. But there were some fumbling issues that need to be addressed if Carolina is intent on pulling the trigger.

Triggering Darnold’s fifth-year option with a guaranteed $18.85 million is going to restrict how the Panthers can improve their roster. Selecting Pickett would allow the player to transition in a backup role before taking over from the USC product at some stage.

It is widely believed that Pickett’s ceiling isn’t going to be as high as someone like Malik Willis, who did his chances no harm at all in Indianapolis.

However, Rhule needs assistance at the earliest possible opportunity and Pickett could provide this sort of spark providing he picks things up quickly.

Tepper did reportedly view Justin Fields as a generational quarterback during the evaluation process in 2021. This didn’t sway them into taking the former Ohio State star, electing to go with Jaycee Horn instead.

Whether the billionaire will increase his influence after failing to attain a winning season since purchasing the team remains to be seen. But the Panthers cannot strike out again and although Pickett has some nice traits, it’s still a massive call to make.