In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young No. 1 overall. He has improved each season since, and so has the Panthers’ record, going from 2-14 to 4-8, 8-8 and making the playoffs.
A big reason for Young’s continued improvement is that the Panthers have continued to improve the foundation around him. This includes spending more than $100 million on the offensive line. The Panthers also invested first-round picks in back-to-back drafts on wide receivers Xavier Leggett and Tetaroa McMillan.
The Panthers used their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle, but Carolina also invested a third-round pick on Tennessee wideout Chris Brazell. Still, some believe the Panthers should not add to their corps of pass-catchers.
recently, Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim urged the Panthers to consider signing free agent tight end Darren Waller.
“The Panthers missed out on the tight end run in this year’s draft, and could use more there after their leading tight end, Tommy Tremble, finished 47th in receiving yards among players. Perhaps they could turn to veteran Darren Waller instead. Coming out of retirement, Waller proved to be a red zone threat for the Dolphins, catching 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Alternatively, the Panthers could look to another free-agent like David Njoku to fill that void.”
SI on Panthers addressing top need with Darren Waller
Waller retired for the 2024 season, but surprisingly returned and joined the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Waller, who turns 34 in September, could potentially help a team like the Panthers even after recording a respectable 283 yards and six touchdowns in just three starts and nine appearances.
The one-time Pro Bowler has made no suggestion that he’s headed back into retirement this offseason, and with training camp around the corner, there could be more activity on his front soon.
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