Darren Waller, Panthers Reportedly Agree to Contract in NFL Free Agency, Updated Depth Chart

The Carolina Panthers reportedly are adding a former Pro Bowl tight end to their roster.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers and tight end Darren Waller agreed to a one-year deal in free agency on Wednesday.

Here's a look at the Panthers' updated depth chart:

2026 Panthers Depth Chart

QB: Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King

RB: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne

WR: Tetairoa McMillan, Jimmy Horn Jr.

WR: Jalen Coker, John Metchie III

WR: Xavier Leggette, David Moore

TE: Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller

Waller spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he logged 283 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. He missed some time halfway through the season with a pectoral injury and ended the year on injured reserve because of a groin injury.

Waller spent the best seasons of his career with the Raiders, where he recorded back-to-back campaigns with 1,000-plus receiving yards in 2019 and 2020. He's been unable to produce those kinds of numbers in recent years, but he'll look to change that with the Panthers.

The addition of Waller might be bad news for Ja'Tavion Sanders, who had an underwhelming second season with the Panthers. The tight end may not be on his way out, but he'll have to compete with Waller for playing time.

Carolina is coming off a season of growth, going 8-9 to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Quarterback Bryce Young has seemingly gained some confidence under center, and he has plenty of solid options to throw to, namely Terairoa McMillan, who had a tremendous rookie year.

Whether Waller can make a significant impact with the Panthers remains to be seen.