Panthers sign former Arizona State tight end off Packers' practice squad

Carolina adds depth at one of the weakest position groups on their roster going into 2024 season.

Tim Weaver | Sep 4, 2024

Aug 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Messiah Swinson (43) following the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have signed tight end Messiah Swinson off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad, according to a report by Aaron Wilson. Swinson (6-foot-7, 249 pounds) split his college career between three years at Missouri, followed by two years at Arizona State. All together, he put up 28 catches, 317 yards and two touchdowns. After going undrafted he was signed by Green Bay.

Swinson adds depth to one of Carolina's weakest position groups going into the 2024 NFL season. At the top of the unit there's Ian Thomas, who hasn't scored a touchdown since the 2020 season. Thomas is currently dealing with a calf injury and may be questionable to play Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.

After Thomas it's Tommy Tremble, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders out of Texas, veteran Jordan Matthews and then Swinson bringing up the bottom of the depth chart. ESPN has this group ranked as the worst tight end unit in the league this year, as is appropriate.

That means there's a lot of room for somebody to step up and make a name for themselves, even Swinson. Whoever can establish a rhythm with second-year quarterback Bryce Young the fastest will have a huge advantage over the rest of the group.