Haynes King: NFL Journey, Carolina Panthers Career, Stats and Latest News
Haynes King has quickly become a name worth watching in the NFL. The quarterback, who played his college football at Texas A&M and Georgia Tech, joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2026. His athletic ability and dual-threat style have helped him attract attention as he begins his professional career.
Who Is Haynes King?
Haynes King is an American football quarterback from Longview, Texas. He stands around 6-foot-2 and played college football for Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech.
At Georgia Tech, King developed into an experienced dual-threat quarterback. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs became one of the biggest parts of his game.
Before entering the NFL, King finished his college career with impressive production. In the 2025 season, he threw for 2,686 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 15 rushing touchdowns, according to PFF's college statistics.
Haynes King and the Carolina Panthers
After the 2026 NFL Draft, King signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted rookie quarterback. Carolina listed him as a rookie quarterback wearing No. 16.
The Panthers already had established quarterbacks on the roster, meaning King entered the team competing for an opportunity rather than arriving as an expected starter.
That makes the preseason especially important for him. Every meaningful snap gives King another chance to show coaches that his athletic ability and decision-making can translate to the NFL.
Haynes King's 2026 NFL Preseason Performance
King made headlines in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 33-30, with King scoring the game-winning rushing touchdown as time expired. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 39 yards.
It was an impressive performance for an undrafted quarterback trying to earn his place on an NFL roster.
King also showed his mobility during the game, including a major third-down scramble that helped Carolina's offense late in the contest. His performance immediately gave fans another reason to watch his development.
Haynes King College Career
King began his college career with Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech in 2023.
At Georgia Tech, he became a productive quarterback and developed a reputation as a player who could hurt defenses through both passing and rushing.
His 2025 season was particularly notable. He recorded 2,686 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns and five interceptions, while also contributing 15 rushing touchdowns.
His athleticism was also visible at the NFL Scouting Combine. King recorded an official 4.46-second 40-yard dash, an impressive number for a quarterback.
Haynes King Playing Style
One of the most interesting things about Haynes King is his mobility.
He is not simply a pocket passer. His ability to run gives an offense another dimension, particularly when a play breaks down.
His speed can also create problems for defenses because linebackers and defensive backs have to account for him as a rushing threat.
At the same time, his NFL development will depend on continuing to improve as a passer and making consistent decisions against professional defenses.
Haynes King NFL Future
The biggest question surrounding Haynes King is how much opportunity he will receive during the 2026 NFL season.
As an undrafted rookie, he has to compete for his position on the Panthers' depth chart. However, his Hall of Fame Game performance provides an encouraging early sign.
His combination of speed, mobility and quarterback experience gives Carolina an intriguing developmental option.
If King continues performing well during preseason games and practices, he could put himself in a strong position to earn more opportunities.
Haynes King Stats at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Team | Carolina Panthers |
| Jersey | No. 16 |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| Previous College | Texas A&M |
| Height | 6'2" |
| 2026 NFL Status | Rookie |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.46 seconds |
| Hall of Fame Game Passing | 21/34 |
| Passing Yards | 180 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Rushing Yards | 39 |
| Game-Winning Rushing TD | 1 |
The Panthers' official roster lists King as a 6-foot-2, 212-pound rookie quarterback.
Final Thoughts
Haynes King has taken an interesting route to the NFL. From Texas A&M to Georgia Tech and finally to the Carolina Panthers, his career has been built around athleticism, experience and the ability to make plays in different ways.
His performance against the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game was an especially strong introduction to the 2026 NFL preseason. Whether he eventually becomes a long-term NFL starter or a valuable backup, King has already given football fans a reason to keep an eye on his development.
For Carolina Panthers supporters, the next preseason opportunities could be important as the team evaluates what Haynes King can offer at the quarterback position.
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