Panthers Finally Make Needed TE Splash with Risky Darren Waller Signing

The Carolina Panthers have languished without a tight end of note for a long time. They've tried and failed to replace Greg Olsen. Yes, it's been that long. They have drafted and signed players to no avail.

Now, they're finally taking a bit of a bolder swing, although it's worth noting that signing a soon-to-be-34-year-old Darren Waller this late in training camp is not a safe move. There is a chance he doesn't even make the roster.

Former Pro-Bowl tight end Darren Waller and the Carolina Panthers reached agreement today on a one-year deal, per source. pic.twitter.com/RYGXfLeXY8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2026

However, the tight end struggles prompted the Panthers to finally make a move, and we're glad they see that the trio just isn't cutting it right now. Tommy Tremble is a great blocker, but that's it.

Ja'Tavion Sanders has upside, but he has no chemistry with Bryce Young, can't block, and struggles to make plays when called upon. Mitchell Evans is a good combination of blocking and receiving, but he isn't that great at either.

Darren Waller may not solve problems, but Panthers had to try

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Darren Waller may or may not be the solution, but thankfully, the Panthers are giving it a shot. It's just a one-year deal that, at this point, mostly functions as a tryout. He will have three preseason games to learn the playbook and outdo his counterparts.

Make no mistake, this is a really uphill battle. Waller has to come in and start from scratch. His teammates may not be all that good, but they all have multiple years in Dave Canales' system.

Tremble has been around for all three seasons of Canales' tenure. Sanders has been there for two, and Evans has a year under his belt. Waller may have more talent than them, but he's facing an uphill battle while out of his prime.

Carolina's offense doesn't necessitate the use of a tight end. Dave Canales has historically not used the position much. However, he also hasn't had a good one to work with.

In Tampa Bay, he had Cade Otton before Otton became the solid if unspectacular tight end he is today. Then, in Carolina, the struggles to find a good tight end have been well documented.

It remains to be seen if Canales just doesn't need a tight end or if roster constraints have forced him and Brad Idzik to change their ways. The Waller signing may reveal that, because he has been a better receiving threat than the Panthers have had.

Unfortunately, the clock is running low for Waller and the Panthers, but it was well worth the shot.

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