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Haynes King
QB · CAR

Haynes King

Position QB
Team CAR
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Haynes King

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: CAR (Carolina Panthers).

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: CAR (Carolina Panthers)
  • Background: Undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech; dual-threat QB
  • Status: Competing for QB3/deep roster spot

Haynes King is an undrafted rookie QB getting a significant preseason opportunity with the Panthers. After veteran backup Will Grier retired before training camp and the Panthers declined to bring in a fourth QB, King inherited an outsized role in the three-deep rotation behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett. With four preseason games on the schedule, King will see substantial snaps—likely more than Young or Pickett to preserve veteran health. Head coach Dave Canales praised King's professionalism and quick scheme absorption, citing his "pro mentality" and eagerness to learn the Panthers' offensive system. King's dual-threat ability from his Georgia Tech days makes him an intriguing evaluation, though his goal is to prove he can stick as a quarterback rather than transition to a utility role like Taysom Hill (per Panthers GM Dan Morgan hints at big opportunity awaiting for UDFA QB Haynes King as training camp opens).

Hall of Fame Game breakthrough (Aug 7): King made an immediate impact in the Panthers' 33-30 win over the Cardinals, stole rookie spotlight from Cardinals QB Carson Beck. Entered the game in the second quarter and went 21 of 34 for 180 yards with 2 TDs passing, plus rushed for 39 yards including the game-winning 5-yard TD dive with no time on the clock. His performance was surprising given minimal expectations for an undrafted QB, but demonstrated poise under pressure and dual-threat playmaking against live competition (per 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game: Haynes King steals rookie spotlight from Carson Beck...)

A deep stash specifically for superflex taxi squads. Impressed in high-profile preseason opener, making real substantive reads and progressions that stood in contrast to a far more hyped fellow rookie QB's more scripted debut in the same game. Currently dealing with hamstring injury but projects as a genuine contingency option behind a starter with an inconsistent track record. Genuine rushing upside as his central fantasy-relevant skill if he ever gets an extended opportunity. (per 10 Dynasty Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026) - FantasyPros)

Role / Depth Chart

Third-string QB (CAR). Will get significant preseason reps due to roster thinness; unlikely to see 2026 regular season action unless injuries force his hand.

Injury Status

August 8 – Hamstring injury (week-to-week): Suffered hamstring injury during Hall of Fame Game victory over Arizona Cardinals. Panthers signed backup QB Kyle Trask to serve as QB3 while King recovers. Expected to return within 1-2 weeks but listed as week-to-week (per Panthers sign Kyle Trask as QB3 after Haynes King injury).

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Can King's professionalism and dual-threat ability earn him a permanent roster spot as a third QB?
  • Will his Georgia Tech scheme translate to the Panthers' offensive system?

Sources

Coaches shaping Haynes's role

Dave CanalesHead CoachBrad IdzikOffensive CoordinatorJonathan CooleyDefensive Passing Game CoordinatorMike BercoviciOffensive Passing Game CoordinatorJoe GilbertOffensive Line CoachWill HarrigerQuarterbacks Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

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