The Carolina Panthers have added Kyle Trask to their quarterback room, signing the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Florida Gators quarterback on Sunday. Trask steps in as the team’s third quarterback behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett after rookie Haynes King suffered a hamstring injury in the Hall of Fame Game.
King, who impressed during the preseason opener, is expected to miss some time while recovering. With the injury leaving Carolina short at quarterback, the Panthers moved quickly to bring in Trask and provide additional depth at the position.
Panthers Sign Kyle Trask to Bolster QB Depth After Haynes King Injury
Kyle Trask officially joined the Carolina Panthers on Sunday after the team moved to add quarterback depth following Haynes King’s hamstring injury in the Hall of Fame Game. Trask, a second-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2021, has appeared in seven games as a backup and has thrown just 11 passes in his NFL career. He was released by the Buccaneers last summer before spending time on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.
Trask also has familiarity with Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik from his time in Tampa Bay. With King expected to miss time, Trask could see action when Carolina faces the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The Panthers also waived wide receiver Malick Meiga and linebacker Nick Hampton with injury designations.
Who Is Kyle Trask? Everything You Need to Know About the Panthers’ New QB
Kyle Trask’s NFL journey has been built on patience and perseverance. The 28-year-old quarterback stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 236 pounds. He starred at the University of Florida, where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020 after throwing for 7,386 yards and 69 touchdowns across his college career. His breakout came in 2019 after Feleipe Franks’ injury opened the door, and Trask followed it with a spectacular 2020 season featuring 4,283 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Trask 64th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in Tampa Bay as a backup to Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield, appearing in seven games and completing four of 11 passes for 28 yards. After failing to make the Buccaneers’ roster in 2025, Trask spent time on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad before getting another opportunity with Carolina.
The Panthers signed Trask after rookie Haynes King suffered a hamstring injury in the Hall of Fame Game, adding him behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett. Trask also brings familiarity with Carolina’s coaching staff, having previously worked with Dave Canales and Brad Idzik during his time in Tampa Bay. He could see meaningful preseason action against the Buffalo Bills as Carolina evaluates its quarterback depth.
