The Carolina Panthers took an unusual path on cutdown day, and it starts with the tight end room. While teams usually trim down to three or four at the position, Carolina chose to keep five after final roster cuts, a decision that stands out even by NFL standards.
General manager Dan Morgan said the choice came down to fit and variety, not just numbers. In a recent interview, he laid out why the Panthers held onto Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Darren Waller, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and Feleipe Franks.
“Keeping five tight ends, I think it really comes down to each of those guys have a specific skill set that we like,” Morgan said on Tuesday, per The Athletic's Joe Person. “If you go down the line Tommy [Tremble], a really good blocker and receiver. [Mitchell Evans], just a big body wide blocker who can also be a very capable wide out for us.”
Waller, who signed a one-year contract during training camp, is the most eye-catching name in that group. His roster spot seemed far from guaranteed, but Morgan made it clear the Panthers see a real role for him.
“Darren Waller, I think he has a unique skill set that I think we can utilize,” Morgan added. “I know coach Canales and his staff are really excited about having him and what he can bring to our offense. A different dimension to our offense.”
That puts Carolina in a pretty unusual spot heading into 2026, with a tight end group that looks built for flexibility and package-heavy usage. The Panthers could lean on plenty of 13 personnel if they want to maximize what they’ve assembled.
Carolina will get its first chance to show that plan in the regular season opener at home against the Bears. That NFC matchup is set for 1PM ET on September 13th at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
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