Who is New Panthers' Backup QB Jake Luton?

Learn more about the newest member in the Carolina QB room.

As we inch closer to the Panthers’ week three tilt against the Seahawks, one burning question is on the mind of Carolina fans. It’s not “When is the team going to reach a long-term agreement with Brian Burns?” Or “Who is going to cover DK Metcalf?” 

It’s who is the new backup quarterback, Jake Luton?

Luton is a fourth-year veteran who ended his college career at Oregon State. Before becoming a Beaver, Luton played for the former FBS, now FCS school Idaho, and also attended Ventura College. It took him a few years to make an impact at the college level, but his super-duper senior year (his sixth year of eligibility) was stellar. Luton completed 222 passes for 2,714 yards while throwing 28 touchdowns to only three interceptions. Luton was named honorable mention All-Pac 12 for his efforts.

Following his time in college, Luton entered the 2020 NFL draft. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 189th overall pick in the sixth round.

The Jaguars came into the season with Gardner Minshew as the incumbent starter, and Mike Glennon to back him up. Luton wasn’t expected to play his rookie season, but an injury to Minshew in week eight led to Luton getting his first and only starts in the NFL.

He came out guns blazing in his first career start, throwing a 73-yard touchdown, seen here.

Welcome to the NFL, Jake Luton!

The rookie QB throws a 73-yard touchdown to @DJChark82 on his 2nd career pass attempt. #DUUUVAL

📺: #HOUvsJAX on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/ul5IFJEdQc pic.twitter.com/5yGtTNMYHq

— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2020

And running for a 13-yard touchdown, which was honestly pretty sweet.

Jake Luton's touchdown run. RIP to each of those defenders bc my goodness. pic.twitter.com/KITZV54IHH

— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) November 8, 2020

Luton started two more games for the Jaguars but failed to capitalize on his opportunity and he lost his starting job to Mike Glennon. His final statistics as the starting quarterback in Jacksonville were: 60 completions on 110 attempts, 473 passing yards, two touchdowns, six interceptions, and the singular rushing attempt that will live on in infamy. 

The Jaguars cut Luton the following August, and he spent the next two years bouncing around rosters across the NFL.

Luton has signed contracts with Seattle, Miami, Jacksonville (for a second time), and New Orleans, but has yet to see the field in an NFL game since his three starts during his rookie season.

Carolina signed the journeyman quarterback this summer, released him on August 28th, and brought him back on the practice squad on Wednesday of this week.

In limited preseason action with Carolina, Luton completed 8 of 19 passes for 115 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Bryce Young’s ankle injury has created a need for Luton’s services, and time will tell if the young quarterback can revive his career for the long term in Carolina.