The Panthers spent most of the offseason with the same three tight ends from last year: Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and Ja’Tavion Sanders.
Sanders's Hall of Fame Game appearance made it clear the Panthers weren’t happy with their receiving tight end, leading them to sign Waller. However, Waller needed to be eased into action throughout training camp. There was some thought Waller might not be ready for Week 1, but instead, it was Sanders who was a healthy inactive. The tight end rotation was fairly similar to last season, with Tremble as the leader in 11 personnel on early downs, followed by Evans, then Carolina's receiving tight end. On third downs, Waller played 77. 8% of snaps, a very slight increase from the 77. 0% by Sanders last season. Tremble and Evans were the primary receivers in 12 personnel, with Waller taking 35. 0% of snaps, also slightly higher than Sanders last season at 31. 4%.
When the Panthers signed Darren Waller two weeks ago, the prevailing thought was someone would have to go to make room for a player who caught six touchdown passes in nine games for the Miami Dolphins in 2025 following a one-year retirement. Ja’Tavion Sanders, with a skill set similar to Waller’s, was viewed as a trade candidate. But for now, Waller and Sanders are still around, as are Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and Feleipe Franks. That’s a lot. Because Waller can line up in the slot, the Panthers can categorize him as a hybrid player. And while Franks is a tight end by title, he made the team because of his special teams ability. Still, it will be interesting to see how the TE room shakes out, especially where Waller is concerned. Waller, who turns 34 the day of the season opener against the Chicago Bears, has been targeted just once in a team drill since arriving.
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