Haynes King proving he belongs on an NFL 53-man roster....
**Haynes King delivered a memorable NFL debut, leading the Carolina Panthers to a 33–30 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.**
The undrafted rookie quarterback entered after Kenny Pickett and sparked Carolina’s offense, finishing with **21 completions on 34 attempts for 180 yards, two touchdown passes, and 39 rushing yards**. His biggest moment came on the final drive: King led a 13-play, 65-yard march and scored the winning touchdown on a **5-yard scramble as time expired**.
The game was a back-and-forth affair. Arizona took a late 30–27 lead with 1:55 remaining, but King answered with the game-winning possession. Rookie Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck also impressed, throwing for **188 yards and a touchdown** before Arizona’s final comeback attempt fell short.
For King, who signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent after playing at Georgia Tech, the performance was a major early opportunity to make an impression in the Panthers’ quarterback competition.
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Panthers stock report: Haynes King looks like a QB who will be on a 53-man roster
The Carolina Panthers’ biggest winner from their Hall of Fame Game victory over the Arizona Cardinals was undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King, who strengthened his case for a spot on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
King entered the game after Kenny Pickett’s limited appearance and immediately showed the traits that made Carolina interested in him as an undrafted free agent: mobility, confidence, toughness, and the ability to create when plays break down. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 39 rushing yards, including the game-winning 5-yard touchdown run as time expired.
Stock up: Haynes King 📈
The biggest question for King entering camp was whether his skill set would translate against NFL competition. His performance suggested he can at least compete for a roster role.
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What stood out:
Poise in pressure situations: King led a 13-play, 65-yard final drive with the game on the line.
Dual-threat ability: His scrambling ability gives Carolina an element that traditional pocket passers may not provide.
Command of the offense: He looked comfortable running the offense and making throws into tight windows.
The roster picture
Before the game, many projections had King fighting for a practice squad spot behind veterans such as Kenny Pickett and other quarterback options.But a strong preseason showing changes the conversation: teams are often reluctant to expose intriguing young quarterbacks to the waiver wire, especially ones with athletic upside.
King still has work to do. One preseason game does not guarantee a roster spot, and Carolina must weigh his developmental potential against the value of keeping a more experienced backup. But his performance gave the coaching staff a reason to keep evaluating him with a serious eye toward the 53-man roster.
Bottom line: King went from an interesting undrafted prospect to a legitimate roster contender in one night. If he continues making plays like he did against Arizona, Carolina may have a difficult decision at quarterback — but it will be a good problem to have.
