The Dirt and the Glory: Haynes King's Statement in Canton
AI-generated image · US National Wire
An undrafted rookie quarterback just reminded the NFL that draft boards are mere suggestions and the real value is often found where others aren't looking.
### The Illusion of the Board
For all the obsession with draft slots, the NFL remains a league where the cheapest assets can become the catalyst. On Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, undrafted rookie Haynes King provided a masterclass in this reality.
As first reported by The Guardian, King led the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game. King capped the night by rushing for a five-yard touchdown on the final play. The former Georgia Tech standout and last season's Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, adding 39 rushing yards to his total.
### Moving the Chains
King entered the game as Carolina's No. 3 quarterback, behind veteran Kenny Pickett and Bryce Young. Pickett started the contest, completing 8 of 11 passes for 62 yards before King took over.
King’s ability to extend plays proved decisive. The Guardian notes a critical 26-yard scramble on a third-and-14 kept the final drive alive. Earlier, King connected with Anthony Tyus III for a four-yard touchdown to give the Panthers a 24-20 lead, following a 15-yard strike to Ja’seem Reed in the second quarter.
Panthers coach Dave Canales praised King’s tenacity, telling The Guardian that the "bottom line is move the chains" and noting that King did a "fantastic job" executing whatever was necessary to keep the offense moving.
### The Pedigree Contrast
While King stole the headlines, Arizona’s third-round pick Carson Beck also impressed. Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, including a 49-yard deep ball to Jalen Brooks and a five-yard score to Simi Fehoko. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur told The Guardian that Beck’s mindset is built for big stages, treating the exhibition as "just another game."
The game also showcased other reserves. After Beck exited, Kedon Slovis completed 9 of 10 passes for 106 yards, including a one-yard touchdown to Bryson Green. Meanwhile, Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, sat out the contest.
### Beyond the Gridiron
The event also honored the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class: Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly. Additionally, former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made his debut as the lead studio analyst for "Football Night in America" on NBC.
Inside the museum, All-Pro tight end Trey McBride and Jacoby Brissett visited to see their jerseys displayed after setting NFL records last season—McBride for receptions by a tight end (126) and Brissett for completions in a single game (47).
### The Takeaway
As the Panthers and Cardinals move toward the regular season, the emergence of Haynes King adds a layer of intrigue to Carolina's depth chart. While Bryce Young remains the centerpiece—and was noted by The Guardian as King's "biggest cheerleader"—King's performance serves as a reminder that the most valuable players aren't always the ones with the highest draft price.