This surprise team could steal Kenny Pickett from Commanders

The Washington Commanders could go many different directions with their pursuit of a quarterback this offseason.

The way we see it, they could sign a placeholder to a one-year deal in free agency and draft a prospect to groom for a season. They could also pull off a blockbuster trade for an established superstar or an above-average starter.

The most unlikely scenario, at least in our eyes, is that they draft a rookie to be the immediate starter next season.

It feels like Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis would be the only prospects worth the No. 11 overall pick, but Washington could just as easily hold off until the second round for a Desmond Ridder or Sam Howell.

Speaking in terms of Pickett and Willis, the latter’s impeccable showing at the Senior Bowl has seen him rise up draft boards. Pickett, on the other hand, was just as impressive and he’s still regarded as the most pro-ready prospect.

If the Commanders are sold on drafting Pickett, though, they should be wary of the Carolina Panthers swiping him with the sixth overall pick.

Could the Panthers steal Kenny Pickett from the Commanders?

Why would the Panthers, who still have Sam Darnold on the books for an $18.85 million cap hit for next season, jump the gun and draft Pickett so early? Well, you know what they say about the relationship between a quarterback and head coach being the most important relationship in the sport?

Pickett and Panthers head coach Matt Rhule actually go way back.

In April of 2016, just before his senior year of high school, Pickett announced he committed to Temple University. He shared the news with a tweet, which included a photo of him in a Temple jersey with then-Owls coach Matt Rhule.

However, Pickett never played a snap for Temple. After an exceptional senior year at Ocean Township High School in New Jersey, Pickett received offers from more prominent programs, including Pitt, where he eventually committed.

Despite leaving Temple at the altar — which happens more than you’d think with high school prospects — Pickett recently revealed that he and Rhule still have a great relationship. The Panthers met with the young QB at the Senior Bowl and he had nothing but positive things to say about Rhule.

"“Just because he’s a great person,” Pickett said of Rhule. “It comes down to people first in this business. I trust him. Talking to all the players he coached prior to when I was thinking about committing, that’s what they all talked about what a great guy he is and how hard they played for him.”"

That certainly sounds like a player who wants to play for Rhule, no? Either way, the Pickett-Panthers buzz isn’t going anywhere.

Following the Senior Bowl, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports spoke to several evaluators who strongly believe Pickett could be a top-five pick.

"“I don’t think he makes it past the Panthers,” said one evaluator who’s studied Pickett closely. “Their owner (David Tepper) is a huge Pitt booster. He hasn’t invested draft capital in a quarterback yet. He has to know the Steelers like him (Tepper is a former minority investor in the Steelers). I think that’s a fit."

Another AFC scout told La Canfora, “We think he’s going to Carolina. That’s where I would mock him.”

Certainly feels like Pickett could be off the board before the 11th pick. The only thing working in Washington’s favor is that Rhule, who was rumored to be on the hot seat after the season, could opt to trade for or sign a proven commodity instead of drafting Pickett in order to maximize his job security.

Then again, drafting Pickett could buy him more time as the head coach, especially if the former Panther isn’t ready to start right away.

Whatever the case, Commanders fans should be attentive of Pickett’s and Rhule’s relationship, because there’s clearly mutual interest in a reunion.