Carolina Panthers Acquire Former Georgia Tech Quarterback Haynes King as Undrafted Free Agent
Introduction
The Carolina Panthers have signed quarterback Haynes King to an undrafted free agent contract following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Main Body
The contractual agreement includes a guaranteed sum of $250,000. King, a 25-year-old athlete measuring 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, joins the organization as the fourth-string quarterback. He is positioned behind starter Bryce Young, primary backup Kenny Pickett, and Will Grier. This acquisition follows the offseason trade of former backup Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles, indicating a strategic requirement for increased competition within the quarterback room. King's collegiate career spanned six seasons, divided between Texas A&M and Georgia Tech. During his tenure at Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher, his development was limited by injuries and a lack of utilization of his dual-threat capabilities. Subsequently, at Georgia Tech, King achieved significant statistical output, totaling 9,486 passing yards, 65 passing touchdowns, 2,427 rushing yards, and 37 rushing touchdowns across his entire college career. His 2025 season was particularly notable, resulting in his selection as the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Within the organizational context of the Panthers, General Manager Dan Morgan has a documented history of integrating undrafted free agents into active roles, as evidenced by the contributions of Jalen Coker, Corey Thornton, and Ryan Fitzgerald. Consequently, there is analytical speculation regarding whether King's versatility will allow him to occupy a multi-functional utility role similar to that of Taysom Hill. King joins other former Texas A&M players currently with the Panthers, including Nic Scourton, Demani Richardson, and Will Lee.
Conclusion
Haynes King has officially joined the Carolina Panthers' offseason training activities as an undrafted free agent with a guaranteed contract of $250,000.