Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) runs out for player introductions prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium.
© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Carolina Panthers are preparing for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Carolina won the NFC South last year, and took the Los Angeles Rams to the brink in the playoffs. They are hoping for more this year, and they added depth at tight end in the form of Darren Waller.
Waller is signing a one-year contract with the Panthers, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. At this time, it is not known what the financial terms of this contract are. But Waller will land with Carolina ahead of the team's second preseason game on Saturday.
Waller spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins after coming out of retirement. The veteran tight end was limited to just nine games, but did carve out a role as a red zone threat. He caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns in his limited action. His six touchdowns were tied with Jaylen Waddle for the team lead.
Waller returned to the field after retiring following the 2023 season. He spent that year with the New York Giants following a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. It was with the Raiders that Waller found his greatest success, recording back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons in 2019 and 2020.
The Panthers were preparing to head into the 2026 campaign with Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble as their two tight ends. Now, they add a bit of experience and red-zone capability with the addition of Waller. It will certainly be intriguing to see how the veteran fits within this locker room during the 2026 season.