After the Hall of Fame game-winning thriller, 2026 undrafted quarterback Haynes King is making waves in the latest Panthers rumors and could generate interest from other teams. King, the former Georgia Tech product, was selected hours after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. While former first-round pick Kenny Pickett started the game, the undrafted product scored the game-winning touchdown, defeating the Arizona Cardinals, 33-30. Despite Carolina trailing 14-7, the quarterback led the offense to victory, which could get this league to start talking.
While he is 25-years-old and it’s still preseason, there could be belief that he might be a starter elsewhere. The Hall of Fame matchup was considered one of the most entertaining between him and Arizona Cardinals third-round selection, Carson Beck. The Panthers’ third-stringer finished the game, recording 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, a 15-yarder and a 5-yarder.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have three preseason games remaining, so it’s hard to tell what route the team will take. QB Bryce Young is still the rightful starter, but you’d wonder if Pickett’s backup job is in hot water.
Panthers Rumors
Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King (16) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Panthers Rumors: 3 Teams Eyeing Haynes King on Waivers After Game-Winning Thriller
A Chance for Backup Services?
It’s still early. Carolina originally signed Pickett to offer Young a reliable pocket-passer who has plenty of experience under his belt. After trading veteran Andy Dalton to Philadelphia, the team went with a much younger option, which isn’t surprising. Even if the former Georgia Tech product doesn’t win the backup role in Carolina, it’s fair to wonder if the Panthers will make it available on waivers right before the NFL regular season.
It would be hard to stash the quarterback on the practice squad while the frying pan is hot. Young still needs to prove he’s the answer, so it could be in Carolina’s best interest to let the undrafted pocket-passer walk. Here are three teams waiting to snatch the potential starter.