Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King made a significant impression during Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, orchestrating a dramatic comeback victory for the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals. King, who entered the game in the second quarter following a difficult outing by veteran Kenny Pickett, completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His performance culminated in a game-winning rushing touchdown as time expired.
Pickett struggled during his time on the field, recording 62 yards on eight completions while taking a sack. Following a 15-yard connection between King and receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. in the third quarter, independent reporter John Frascella suggested that King had already surpassed Pickett in terms of performance, labeling him the team's potential second-string option. Frascella later praised the conclusion of the game as a remarkable showcase for the NFL.
The Panthers' receiving corps was led by Jimmy Horn Jr., who caught four passes for 44 yards. Additional receiving touchdowns were recorded by Ja'seem Reed and Anthony Tyus III, while AJ Dillon added a rushing touchdown to the team's effort. For the Cardinals, third-round rookie Carson Beck performed well, contributing 15 completions for 188 yards and a touchdown to Simi Fehoko before being replaced in the fourth quarter. Kedon Slovis also saw action, finishing with nine completions for 106 yards and a touchdown pass to Bryson Green, while Corey Kiner contributed a rushing score in the first quarter.
Reflecting on his walk-off touchdown after the game, King explained that he initially intended to extend the play but saw an opening in the line. He described the experience of celebrating the win with his teammates as an amazing, albeit breathless, moment to finally showcase his talent. Panthers head coach Dave Canales commended King's ability to keep plays alive and perform under pressure. The Panthers are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills on August 15, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.
Haynes King may have won his way into becoming the Carolina Panthers' backup quarterback for the 2026 season, according to at least one person.In Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals, the UDFA rookie completed 21 of 34 attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
He also scored the game-winning rushing touchdown as time expired.Notably, King had come in only in the second quarter, after veteran Kenny Pickett had struggled with 62 yards on 8 completions and taken a sack.
