Overview
- The Panthers officially signed veteran tight end Darren Waller on Monday and waived offensive lineman Joshua Gray and outside linebacker Nick Hampton as roster moves tied to the addition.
- Waller attended his first team practice in Charlotte but worked off to the side while trainers and coaches began conditioning work and playbook meetings with him.
- Head coach Dave Canales said Waller reported in strong condition but the team will ramp up his workload gradually and he is not expected to take part in this week’s joint practice with Jacksonville or the immediate preseason game.
- Carolina views Waller as a situational, pass-catching threat who can create mismatches for quarterback Bryce Young and boost a tight end room that produced modest receiving totals last season.
- Waller returned from a 2024 retirement to play for Miami in 2025, posting 24 catches, 283 yards and six touchdowns in limited games, and the Panthers will balance his playmaking potential against recent durability concerns as they integrate him next week.