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Darren Waller signs one-year deal with Carolina Panthers

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-01 21:21 UTC → 2026-09-02 15:22 UTC · added removed

Veteran tight end Darren Waller has officially signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 33-year-old free agent joins the roster following a 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, where injuries to his pectoral and groin limited him to nine appearances and 283 receiving yards. To finalize the move, the Panthers waived guard Joshua Grey and linebacker Nic Hampton, with Hampton receiving an injury settlement. Coach Dave Canales intends to utilize Waller’s versatility as both a tight end and a receiver to bolster red zone efficiency and provide a situational threat, addressing a unit that has lacked a high-volume pass catcher since the retirement of Greg Olsen. As the Panthers finalized their 53-man roster, the team featured a deep rookie class. Most drafted rookies secured spots, including first-round pick Monroe Freeling, who is expected to occupy a starting position on the offensive line, and second-round pick Lee Hunter. Other notable additions include cornerback Will Lee III, center Sam Hecht, safety Zakee Wheatley, and seventh-round linebacker Jackson Kuwatch. In a move that drew attention, Canales and general manager Dan Morgan opted to carry five tight ends, including ends: Waller, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks, and Tommy Tremble. This While the specific game-day usage of this group is still being determined, the decision resulted in a leaner wide receiver group, leading to the release of veteran David Moore and preseason standout Ja’seem Reed. While the backfield received a boost from the return of Chuba Hubbard and Haynes King, running back Jonathon Brooks has dealt with soreness, and Waller is currently undergoing a gradual ramp-up process.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-02 15:22 UTC Darren Waller signs one-year deal with Carolina Panthers
  2. 2026-09-01 21:21 UTC Darren Waller signs one-year deal with Carolina Panthers
  3. 2026-08-17 22:29 UTC Darren Waller joining Carolina Panthers

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