In the Carolina Panthers 16 year history, Wesley Walls was the only tight end selected to the Pro Bowl.  In fact, in Panthers history they only have two tight ends with more than 1,000 career yards.  Walls is one, the other is Kris Mangum, who was known more for his blocking skills.  Mangum played in 126 games and only totaled 1,424 yards. 

The Panthers consistently have one of the worst tight end outputs in the NFL.  However, this is going to change as this offseason the Carolina Panthers brought in two pass-catching tight ends.  It is the first time that a Panther tight end will be a legitimate downfield threat since Wesley Walls. 

The Panthers signed free agent Jeremy Shockey and traded for Greg Olsen, both former first-round picks out of the University of Miami.

Under former Head Coach John Fox, the tight end position was for blocking not pass-catching.  However, new coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski plan to utilize the position and create matchup problems.

Rivera and Chudzinski both come to the Panthers from the San Diego Chargers where they know all too well how valuable a tight end can be.  They both coached All-Pro Antonio Gates and led the Chargers to one of the best offenses in football.  Rivera, in his opening press conference this offseason, stressed the need to get better at the tight end position.

The Panthers' general manager listened and completely revamped the position, bringing in three new tight ends, Olsen, Shockey and run-blocking tight end Ben Hartsock. 

Shockey and Olsen both caught 41 passes last season, which would have been the most by a Panther tight end since Jeff King in 2007.  However, for Olsen and Shockey that was a subpar season.

Shockey, 30, said he has felt rejuvenated at the opportunity in Carolina and looks to improve on what was the worst offense in football last season.  Shockey has been a part of four Pro Bowl teams and won a Super Bowl with the Giants and Saints.  However, this past season was the worst of his career due to injuries and the emergence of Jimmy Graham in New Orleans.

Oddly, the Panthers almost drafted Olsen in the 2007 NFL Draft, but instead they selected All-Pro Jon Beason.  In the 2007 NFL Draft the Panthers had a need at linebacker and tight end.  They were looking at two Miami Hurricanes, Olsen and Beason.  The Panthers traded away their 14^th pick to the New York Jets for three picks to slide down in the draft.  The Jets would select All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, while the Panthers would ultimately select Jon Beason, Ryan Kalil and Tim Shaw.  In the end Olsen and Beason are now reunited.

Olsen comes via trade from the Chicago Bears. Olsen had a breakout year in 2009 where he recorded 60 catches and eight touchdowns. However, this past season under new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz he took a step back, recording 19 less catches. 

Jeremy Shockey
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

After the trade, Olsen expressed that he was frustrated with Martz at times, saying "There’s no worse feeling then not being able to play up to your potential.”

 Shockey and Olsen will both help the transition as a security blanket for their young quarterbacks.  The Panthers are inexperienced at quarterback with Jimmy Clausen and Cam Newton battling it out to be the starter.  In the NFL a great quarterback needs a pass-catching tight end weapon.

I wrote an article earlier this summer on the Top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Each of them has a tight end that can spread the field and create mismatches with linebackers, corners and safeties.  Below is a list of those quarterbacks and their tight ends. 

Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark

Tom Brady to Aaron Hernandez or Rob Gronkowski

Aaron Rodgers to Jermichael Finley

Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates

Ben Roethlisberger to Heath Miller

Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez

Tony Romo to Jason Witten

Josh Freeman to Kellen Winslow

Mike Vick to Brent Celek

Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham (formerly Jeremy Shockey)

So as you can see, having a good tight end is more important than in years past.  It relieves the pressure of the quarterback who doesn’t always have to look downfield to make the big throw. Sadly, the Panthers have been lacking that for years. 

The Panthers have always had decent tight ends, but none were great receivers.  Former tight ends include Jeff King, Michael Gaines, Jermaine Wiggins, Dante Rosario and Kris Mangum.  Yes, some had solid hands but no NFL teams were scared of them or forced them to gameplan against them.

Teams will have to take into account Olsen and Shockey. This will allow the Panthers to open things up more vertically downfield.  Steve Smith will immediately reap the benefits as teams can’t solely focus on him in the passing game.  Also, play action will be critical this season as our running game looks potent again with a healthy DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart.

The Carolina Panthers are in the cellar of almost every preseason poll there is.  However, that’s how the Panthers like it, as the underdogs.  Expect Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey to both have great seasons and lead a vastly improved offense. 

I am not sure if the playoffs are attainable this year with the division depth in the NFC South.  However, the foundation has been laid for a bright season and the tight end position will be a key reason why.