4 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat in Week 16 vs. the Lions
By Dean Jones
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
Just what the Carolina Panthers can expect from Tommy Tremble moving forward remains to be seen. Expectations are seemingly decreasing with every passing week as the 2021 third-round pick fails to emerge as the dynamic force those in power hoped for when they snapped him up from Notre Dame.
The Panthers were banking on Tremble’s athleticism flourishing at the next level. While his blocking can be encouraging when called upon, his influence in the passing game is almost non-existent and unless this alters over the next three games, additional tight-end reinforcements are almost guaranteed.
Tremble’s been allocated just 26 targets throughout the season and has only brought in 50 percent of them for 121 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While Carolina’s stuttering offense and run-first mentality can be used as excuses, there is enough bad film to suggest he’ll never become the complete package.
Finishing the season strongly would provide a glimmer of hope for Tremble. But with a new offensive coordinator and perhaps a different approach at the head coaching position coming into the organization next spring, then a scenario could emerge where he’s fighting for his roster spot in 2023.
This would be bitterly disappointing entering Year 3 of his professional career. Especially given how loved Tremble is within the Panthers’ locker room.