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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers, in the estimation of many draft experts, enjoyed a fairly strong weekend in Pittsburgh. Not to mention, they attacked the undrafted free agent pool with the same vigor. After the last draft selection scrolled across the screen, the Panthers started calling free agents; one in particular could become a contributor in future seasons. Quarterback Haynes King, formerly of Georgia Tech, inked a contract with Carolina. The Athletic’s Joseph Person highlighted the record-setting signal caller.

“I don’t know what most kids do on draft weekend, but Haynes is out mowing the lawn,” John King wrote to the coaches. “And when he gets done with that, he’s gotta weed-eat.”

GettyCarolina Panthers QB Haynes King

The above speaks to King’s work ethic. As the son of a high school coaching legend in Texas, football, while a passion and a sport, is still an occupation. The younger King took that mentality to the field. At his stops at Texas A&M and Georgia Tech.

👏 Yellow Jacket great

Haynes King put together a standout three-year run in Atlanta, earning a reputation as one of the toughest QBs in the country. He’s taking that grit with him to the next level. #BuiltInTheACC

Full Draft Tape 🔗https://t.co/l4V08S3Y2G@GeorgiaTechFB |… pic.twitter.com/vU5jwxKOhe

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 17, 2026

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In 46 career games, King threw for 9,436 yards, ran for 2,427 yards, and accounted for 102 touchdowns. With his dual-threat abilities, King moves the offense with pace and the ability to throw the ball as well as he can run it.

Haynes King 4.47 unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/jWB5Xtn2OM

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 28, 2026

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Former Panthers QB Provided Context to Signing

Chris Weinke played four seasons with the Charlotte Panthers. After retirement, he became an assistant coach at a few stops around Power 4 teams. For the last four seasons, he’s served in capacities such as assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.

A stellar day for Haynes King who only had two incompletions all day. Throws an extremely accurate deep ball pic.twitter.com/gzvvLArklt

— Najeh Wilkins (@najehwilk) March 13, 2026

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Now, he’s the offensive coordinator. Meaning, he worked extensively with King to turn the Yellow Jackets’ offense around. Last season, on the strength of King’s skill set, Tech finished ranked for the first time since 2014. Under those circumstances, assuming Weinke would effusively praise King would be the right move.

Haynes King and Georgia Tech are legit. Dark horses for the ACC pic.twitter.com/q9E83hpDN7

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 30, 2025

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“He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever recruited. I just love the way the kid’s wired,” said Weinke, who was a Tennessee assistant when he met King. “He’s the son of a longtime, successful high school coach. He loves balls. There’s no doubt that this kid has unbelievable competitive character, and you could just see that in the (recruiting) process.”

“When people meet Weinke and learn he’s at Georgia Tech, where he’s the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the first thing they say is, “I love your quarterback. He’s tough as hell.”

GettyCarolina Pnathers Jaynes King

Uncommon Grit Helped Weinke Through Tough Spots

Quarterback is the position that takes violent hits. Yet the team still looks to the passer to lead. King endured several brutal injuries. For instance, in 2021, he broke his leg. Following that, a labrum injury hampered his progress. Yet, King will still hang in the pocket, anticipating the rush and knowing that a defender is locked in and will punish him during the throw. That type of toughness feels like a prerequisite for an NFL quarterback.

Georgia Tech QB Haynes King is obviously known for his running ability (more on that in a second) but thought he showed some nice pocket poise, stepping into it, and delivering catchable balls when targeting crossers and in breakers over the MOF.

Arm is solid, athleticism is a… pic.twitter.com/JDVgfHhPmb

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 6, 2026

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QB Room Upgrade Helps Long-Term Plans

Make no mistake, Bryce Young remains the unquestioned leader and starting quarterback for the Panthers. Nothing King will accomplish in camp will change that fact. However, that does not mean the coaching staff won’t look at King to see if there is a developmental quality that they can mold into a backup quarterback.

Given Young’s slight frame, Carolina is preparing in case of his injury. According to OurLads, King sits behind Young, Kenny Pickett, and Will Grier on the depth chart. Can he do enough to climb the depth chart?