The Carolina Panthers have pivoted to a former Pro Bowler after the team learned that star rookie Chris Brazzell II will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after tearing his LCL in practice
Chris Brazzell II #19 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass during the Carolina Panthers Training Camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields on July 23, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Chris Brazzell II suffered a season-ending injury before the 2026 NFL season(Image: Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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The Carolina Panthers are fortifying their offense after a number of injuries.
The Panthers have been decimated by injuries as of late, with fifth-year veteran Dan Chisena landing on the injured reserve, leading Carolina to sign Gabriel Benyard. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Nic Scourton was announced to miss the entire 2026 NFL season after tearing his ACL.
To add to the team's injury woes, star rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II was revealed to have suffered an LCL tear in his left knee, ending his season before it truly began. Now, the Panthers have pivoted to veteran help in order to shore up a banged-up unit.
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On Wednesday, it was reported that former Pro Bowler Darren Waller will be joining the Panthers on a one-year deal. The 33-year-old will reunite with Darrell Bevell, the Miami Dolphins' former pass game coordinator, Carolina's current assistant head coach.
Last season, Waller played nine games for Miami, recording six touchdowns on 24 receptions for 283 yards. The 6-foot-6 veteran tight end offers the Panthers another weapon on offense.
Before his nine-game stint with the Dolphins in 2025, Waller did not play in 2024 and announced his retirement on June 9 of that year. He also has suited up for the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Baltimore Ravens in his 10-year NFL career.
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Darren Waller #83 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Darren Waller has been reported to be the newest member of the Carolina Panthers(Image: Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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The news of Waller's sign comes after Brazzell was hurt during a non-contact play during a 7-on-7 drill, immediately dropping to the ground as trainers rushed to his aid. Chuba Hubbard and Kenny Pickett were among the first to help Brazzell, who exited practice with the trainers' assistance.
Speaking after the play, head coach Dave Canales said that Brazzell "felt weird on it" and will be evaluated to "get a picture of that," before telling reporters that the organization will alert the media to any changes in the rookie star's status upon further review.
Canales later admitted that the rookie had knee issues earlier in camp, stating that Brazzell missed Sunday and Tuesday practices due to "a little knee soreness."
"It was just something that kind of started to get sore after the first couple of days, and then we just, he mentioned it to us," Canales added.
"We started to look at it and we put him through some good recovery stuff and de-loaded him for a couple of days, got him back out there, and he couldn't finish the day."
With Brazzell now out, Canales stated that he expects star wideout Xavier Legette to have a big year, especially since the Panthers have "big plans" for him.
"He's got big plans for himself and he's been working hard at it and again had a great offseason," he said. "And carried it right into training camp and, you know, we saw him made a couple of plays today and the timing is there.
"[Panthers quarterback Bryce Young] knows him. He understands what we're trying to get done and he's working his butt off. And so I'm really proud of where he's at and can't wait to see where we go from here."