Carolina Panthers Rookie Qb Could Have Taysom Hill Role, Espn Insider Says

Taysom Hill's unique versatility appeared to make him a one-of-one player in NFL history. But perhaps his skill set is not so unique.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter told the "Pat McAfee Show" on Aug. 10 that the Carolina Panthers may have rookie quarterback Haynes King take on a "Taysom Hill role" within their offense.

"Haynes King is somebody that I think is gonna have a role there in Carolina this season," Schefter said. "He's gonna make the team, and it wouldn't shock me if they wind up using him in a Taysom Hill role there in that same division."

During his nine years with the Saints, Hill did just about everything. The quarterback by trade was New Orleans' primary kick returner in 2018, his second year in the league. Hill also made appearances on the Saints' punt-defense team, as a rusher, as an extra blocking tight end, as a receiver, and he made his first career completion on a fake punt.

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King emerged as one of the heroes in his NFL preseason debut at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game last week. The Panthers' 25-year-old undrafted free agent rookie completed 21 of his 34 pass attempts (61.8% completion rate) for 180 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals. He also rushed three times for 39 yards and a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the matchup, pushing his way through several would-be tacklers to cross the goal line.

During his time at Georgia Tech, King frequently showed off his skills as a rusher. Between 2023 and 2025, he rushed 430 times for 2,277 yards – an average of 5.3 yards per attempt – with 36 rushing touchdowns. King's 15 rushing touchdowns were the most of any ACC player – not just among quarterbacks – last year.

Because of the versatility King showed off as a two-way player in college, a role like Hill's could make sense for the Panthers' rookie. Carolina will still have Bryce Young as its starter behind center, but King's bigger frame – an additional four inches of height and 10 pounds – could be well-suited for plays as a wildcat quarterback.

Hill, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future in the NFL after announcing his departure from the Saints on July 29 after nine years in New Orleans.

The Panthers will play their next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Aug. 15 but will do so without King. The undrafted rookie suffered a hamstring injury on the final game-winning play in the Hall of Fame Game and is expected to miss time. Carolina signed veteran quarterback Kyle Trask on Sunday, Aug. 9.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carolina Panthers rookie QB could have Taysom Hill role, ESPN insider says