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Darren Waller Signs One-Year Deal With Panthers

8/14/2026

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Summary

Waller Signs

Former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, 2026-08-13.
Panthers associate coach Darrell Bevell, who coached Waller in Miami, and head coach Dave Canales said he will challenge the roster and fit vision.
Analysts note the low-cost gamble carries health uncertainty after a 2025 season of 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns, making this possibly his final productive year.

Summary

Waller Retires

He was placed on injured reserve with a groin issue after a nine-game, six-touchdown run with Miami.
He entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 and switched early to tight end.
With the Las Vegas Raiders he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, caught 107 passes in 2020 and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
He retired with 374 receptions for 4,407 yards, 26 touchdowns in 95 games.

History

Historical Context

After the Denver Broncos’ 1999 collapse following John Elway’s retirement, veteran tight end Shannon Sharpe joined the struggling team and later retired with 815 receptions. On August 13 2026, the Panthers echoed that approach by signing veteran Darren Waller, showing how short-term contracts for proven tight ends have become a league-wide roster strategy.

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Waller Signs

Former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, 2026-08-13.
Panthers associate coach Darrell Bevell, who coached Waller in Miami, and head coach Dave Canales said he will challenge the roster and fit vision.
Analysts note the low-cost gamble carries health uncertainty after a 2025 season of 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns, making this possibly his final productive year.

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