The Carolina Panthers added veteran tight end Darren Waller to their roster on August 17, bringing in a former Pro Bowl player as the team navigates final roster decisions ahead of the August 30 cut date. Waller, 33, is currently staking his claim for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Waller’s addition introduces more competition to the tight end room, potentially enhancing the Panthers’ offense. Despite his age, Waller’s pass-catching abilities appear to surpass those of other tight ends on the roster. In the 2025 season, playing nine games with the Miami Dolphins, Waller recorded 283 receiving yards, exceeding the individual yardage of any Carolina tight end. He also scored six touchdowns, which was more than the combined total of five touchdowns from Mitchell Evans, Tommy Tremble, and Ja’Tavion Sanders.
While Mitchell Evans is noted for his blocking prowess, Waller demonstrates superior pass-catching skills, including better vertical speed and a more diverse route tree. He concluded the 2025 season with an 87.6 PFF receiving grade, ranking second among tight ends, trailing only George Kittle. Waller is still adjusting to Carolina’s system and quarterback Bryce Young, but his performance in practice suggests a higher level of receiving talent compared to his teammates.
The Panthers are looking for a reliable red zone threat, a role Waller could fill with his ability to secure touchdown catches. The team’s tight end room currently lacks consistent reliability, making Waller a potential asset as a security-blanket receiver for Young.
