Panthers UDFA QB Haynes King out to prove he belongs in Hall of Fame Game

Carolina Panthers' Haynes King wants to be known as an NFL quarterback.

Not a gadget-type performer. 

The undrafted rookie made it clear following the second day of rookie minicamp last spring.

"I feel like, in my confidence, that I can play quarterback at this level," King said May 11. "My first goal is to make it as a quarterback."

The 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year will get his first chance to display how his dual-threat talents fit into the professional model during Thursday's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

With the Panthers' starters not dressing for the NFL preseason opener, QB2 Kenny Pickett was expected to play at least the first series against the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Coach Dave Canales was eager to get an extended look at King and the rest of the back-end roster players.

"These are valuable opportunities for all these guys fighting for these positions," Canales said. "Whether it's (trying to make) the active roster or practice squad, just more game reps to be able to see what they can do and how they can take the game plan and make it come alive on the field."

Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik will also debut as the Panthers' primary playcaller.

Panthers' Haynes King prepping for pro debut

During Tuesday's training camp practice at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium, King was working with the third-teamers during a seven-on-seven drill. 

With the receivers failing to create separation from the defensive backs, King rolled out and appeared to have an open field to run, but elected to force an incomplete pass.

Known as a runner in college, King, who compiled 3,904 total yards for the Yellowjacks as a senior, likely will not shy away from running plays against the Cardinals. At least if Canales has his way.

"For my life, I just want the quarterback to move the chains and move the team," Canales said. "Whatever that looks like, I'm good with it. If he takes off and runs five times in a row and we're in the red zone knocking on the door, that's a great drive. If he goes five-for-five and completes the ball, finds an explosive and flips the field, I'm good with that too.

"So the fact that Haynes can do that is a great thing."

Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik will also debut as the Panthers' primary playcaller.

MORE: Cardinals vs. Panthers live score, updates, highlights from NFL's Hall of Fame Game 2026

The Panthers prioritized signing the former Georgia Tech standout following last April's draft and King agreed to a three-year, $3.1 million deal, with $250,000 guarenteed.

The rare investment in an undrafted player shows the Panthers have long-term plans for King, who will attempt to retain his QB3 role. Most NFL clubs employ more training camp quarterbacks, but the Panthers have gone with three after Will Grier retired last month and accepted a coaching job with the Dallas Cowboys.

While he has the skills to develop into a Hill-type talent, King wants to prove he can be an NFL signal-caller.

"I felt like I've been developing pretty good," King said Tuesday. "A lot of it is transitioning through progressions, whether it's second, third, or check down. You're moving smoothly through those and knowing where everybody's at, how things progress, and how fast things progress as well.

"I feel like you get better as a quarterback and your completion percentage gets up because you're finding the right guys at the right time and after that, it's just about accuracy."

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