If you've been keeping up with the Carolina Panthers, you know the tight end position has been a big trouble spot.
The team got almost no production out of the position in 2025. Even with that being the case, the team didn't make any notable additions to the room and seemed content to run the same trio back.
Things started to look even more dire recently when Ja'Tavion Sanders was dropped to third on the depth chart. There was still hope that Sanders would develop into a quality starter, so seeing him fall in the pecking order was disappointing.
Well, it's much later than anyone expected, but the Panthers have finally made a move at tight end.
Panthers to Sign Darren Waller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers have agreed to a deal with Darren Waller.
Waller was one of the top free agents at the position and should be in for a big role immediately.
The veteran spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins after sitting out the 2024 season. With the Dolphins, Waller played in nine games and caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns. That's solid production in just nine games, with the tight end successfully proving that he can still be a contributor.
Now, Waller has the chance to play a pivotal role on a team that has playoff aspirations. Waller will turn 34 next month, but he was one of the best tight ends in the league at one point.
Waller had over 1,000 yards in both 2019 and 2020. The veteran made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and received Comeback Player of the Year votes in 2019. Waller has never gotten back to that level, but he's had more productive seasons than non-productive ones.
What Waller's Signing Means
It seems clear that adding Waller means the team does not feel great about the other tight ends on the roster. Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans didn't play in the Hall of Fame Game, but Sanders did, which likely isn't a good sign for his future.
Tremble has never been more than a complementary option, but he's listed atop the depth chart. You have to imagine that if Evans or Sanders were showing anything this summer, they would have been able to usurp Tremble.
As a result, it won't be surprising if Waller earns the TE1 role. Waller is the more experienced option on the roster by far, and he proved in 2025 that he can still be a solid option.
