Haynes King might solve Panthers' major Bryce Young problem

Haynes King might solve Panthers' major Bryce Young problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Carolina Panthers were quick to pounce.

Almost as soon as the 2026 NFL Draft had ended, they were signing Georgia Tech QB Haynes King to an undrafted free agent contract.

Yes, UDFAs generally have an uphill climb to make the actual roster. They often are angling for a spot on the practice squad.

There's a reason to believe the Panthers actually have a fascinating plan in mind for King, though.

This is just speculation, but it would make a lot of sense because of one obvious shortcoming of Bryce Young, pun slightly intended -- he can't help in the short-yardage run game.

The Panthers don't use the tush push, for example, because Young is much too small for it.

Young can scramble in space, but he isn't going to line up in shotgun or under center and power forward for a few yards.

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King, though? He was one of the best rushers in college football in 2025, any position. He just happens to be a quarterback.

And yes, he's probably a good enough passer to be a long-term backup, but the Panthers could think more near-term here, too.

King would make sense as a specialty package guy, even as a rookie. Sure, the defense would probably assume he's running, but he's a good enough thrower that it wouldn't be a totally sure thing.

It's definitely something you'd expect the Panthers to consider. And if it gives King a role right away, that's a big deal for the undrafted rookie, too.