A year after he ended his retirement to play for the Dolphins, veteran tight end Darren Waller is heading to Carolina.
Waller, 33, has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This marks a significant addition to the team's tight end corps, which currently boasts five players: Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Caden Prieskorn, James Mitchell, and Feleipe Franks.
Waller's journey to the Panthers began with the Ravens, where he was drafted in the sixth round in 2015. However, his most notable success came with the Raiders, where he became a Pro Bowler in 2020. Waller has a pair of 1,100-yard seasons under his belt, both achieved with the Raiders.
After a stint with the Giants in 2023, Waller retired but returned to the gridiron last year with the Dolphins. In his nine games with the Dolphins in 2025, he caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns.
Waller's familiarity with the Panthers' coaching staff may prove beneficial. Darrell Bevell, the Panthers' associate head coach and offensive specialist, worked with Waller last year in Miami, where Bevell served as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
The addition of Waller to the Panthers' roster raises questions about the playing time and roles of the existing tight ends. With his experience and production, Waller is likely to compete for significant snaps in the coming season.
The Panthers will look to integrate Waller into their offense, which has been searching for consistency in recent years. With a strong tight end corps, the team may be better equipped to challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC.
As the Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, the signing of Darren Waller serves as a significant statement of intent. The team's commitment to strengthening its roster will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with many expecting the Panthers to make a push for the playoffs in 2026.
Source: Yahoo Sports