With an NFC South division title on the line last December, coach Dave Canales wanted to make a statement during the Carolina Panthers' first offensive snap against the Seattle Seahawks.
To combat the Seahawks' formidable defensive front seven, Canales opened the Week 17 matchup at Bank of America Stadium by calling for a three-tight-end alignment, intending to add another mobile asset along the line. The offensive twist lasted one play.
At least part of one play.
Second-year tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders broke his ankle, forcing the Panthers to adopt a dual tight-end strategy on the fly. Canales turned to Tommy Tremble, who appeared in 41 of the next 53 plays.
Throughout the regular season, Tremble, Sanders and rookie Mitchell Evans formed a power trio, each getting their chances.
Entering the Panthers' offseason training activities (OTAs), general manager Dan Morgan maintained confidence in the triumvirate, electing to forgo any tight-end room additions via free agency or the draft.
Will the non-moves pay off?
Panthers need Tommy Tremble to lead TE room
Following a deflating 27-10 loss, Sanders was seen in the post-game dressing room wearing a cast and riding a scooter. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick endured an up-and-down campaign, catching 29 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown.
"We're going to miss him a lot because he's been so versatile," Canales said during his post-game press conference.
Tremble appeared sullen, speaking with reporters: "I mean, that stuff is tough, man. He's a good player, works hard and to see him go down, that was tough."
But Tremble stepped up, scoring a Week 18 touchdown and hauling in all three targets in the NFC Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 10. With Sanders working his way back this summer, Tremble remains the OTAs' room elder.
Entering his sixth season, Tremble posted career-highs with 27 catches and 249 yards last season. He has 11 touchdowns in 112 career receptions. Evans collected 19 catches, 171 yards and two TDs.
After dropping three of their final four regular-season games, the Panthers (8-9) claimed their first division pennant since 2015 via tiebreaker. They did so with minimal production from their tight ends.
Morgan appears content bringing back the tight-end band in '26, despite preseason questions: