Undrafted Georgia Tech star Haynes King signs with Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have secured former Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King on an NFL contract following his status as an undrafted free agent in the 2026 NFL Draft. King, a native of Longview, Texas, will join the franchise as the fourth signal-caller behind starters Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, and Will Grier. The agreement includes $250,000 in guaranteed money, marking a significant development for the team's depth chart ahead of the upcoming rookie minicamp.

King's arrival addresses a specific strategic void within the Panthers' offensive scheme under head coach Dave Canales. The franchise has historically struggled in short-yardage situations, a scenario where starter Bryce Young has rarely attempted quarterback sneaks during his three seasons. King aims to fill this niche role, potentially adopting a function similar to the New Orleans Saints' Taysom Hill, by utilising his mobility to handle problems with both his mind and his feet.

Prior to signing with the Panthers, King received the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award in January, an honour recognising him as Division I football's top offensive player with ties to Texas. His performance at Georgia Tech was nothing short of exceptional, as he set a program single-season record with 3,920 total yards. During his breakout campaign, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound quarterback averaged 325.3 yards per game, ranking third in the nation while earning both ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year accolades.

The signing follows confirmed interest from the Panthers during the sixth round of the draft process. King's agent informed the quarterback of the team's desire to sign a developmental player, prompting a quick agreement despite King not being selected in the draft. This rapid response allowed King to immediately begin preparations for the Panthers' offseason training activities in Charlotte, North Carolina, shifting his focus from East Texas to the Carolinas.

King, the son of a high school football coach, is known for an aggressive playing style that emphasises shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Having been raised with competitive discipline, he views himself as an ultra competitor capable of delivering physicality on the field. As he prepares to integrate into the roster, the former Yellow Jackets standout intends to leverage his dual-threat capabilities to provide a distinct alternative to the existing quarterback group.

While the specific duration and total value of the contract beyond the guaranteed portion remain undisclosed, King's addition provides a clear tactical option for the Panthers. His ability to execute in critical short-yardage scenarios offers a potential solution to a historical weakness for the franchise, ensuring that the team has a mobile backup ready to execute when the game demands it.