The Carolina Panthers are moving toward a veteran addition at tight end, with Darren Waller expected to join the roster after the weekend.
That move comes as Dave Canales and his staff continue sorting through a training camp that has already included some early injury setbacks. Carolina has had a few weeks to take a close look at the roster, and tight end has emerged as one of the spots that could use help.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are planning to sign Waller on Monday, pending a physical. The timing lines up with the team’s travel schedule, since Carolina is headed to Buffalo for a preseason game on Saturday. Waiting until after that trip gives the Panthers more flexibility with a roster spot and a possible cut to make room.
The fit makes sense on paper. Waller would bring another layer to an offense that could use it, even if his free-agent status has lingered for a reason that hasn’t been explained. What is clear is that Carolina sees enough upside to keep pushing ahead with the signing.
Right now, the Panthers’ tight end group includes Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Feleipe Franks, James Mitchell and Caden Prieskorn. One of those six would likely need to be waived to open a spot once Waller is officially added.
Carolina is coming off a 2025 season in which it won the NFC South for the first time in more than 10 years, finishing 8-9 and claiming the division via tiebreaker. That accomplishment will not silence the doubters, and it helps explain why the Panthers are still looking for ways to strengthen the roster heading into this season.
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