A wise man once said, “We can block everybody, and they can’t guard us,” and so far, I can say I've never heard Carolina Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans tell a lie.
Darrell Bevell is the closest you will get to Andy Reid when it comes to maximizing the tight end position in a passing offense. From Jonnu Smith and T.J. Hockenson to Darren Waller and now Tommy Tremble, Carolina's offensive specialist has been instrumental in multiple players at the position breaking out.
Carolina hired Bevell as associate head coach and offensive specialist briefly before announcing offensive coordinator Brad Idzik as the team's new play caller for the upcoming season. Many brushed past the move, and some expected it to boost franchise quarterback Bryce Young's downfield attempts.
Carolina Panthers' tight end surge has Darrell Bevell written all over it
But it was rare to see anyone mention the boost he would give to the tight end room.
Last season, Carolina ran two-plus tight ends on the field on just 30 percent of their snaps, good for 18th in the NFL. This season, that has already risen to 40% through five games, ranking 10th league-wide.
Carolina is destroying defenses through the air and on the ground, ranking seventh in success rate at 53.3%, up from 47.8% in 2025. Yards per play out of 12 or 13 personnel has also jumped from 27th at 4.3 yards per play to a whopping 6.0 yards per play, which is fourth in the entire NFL.
Panthers fans can thank Bevell, but it shouldn’t be lost on them how important bringing Waller with him from Miami was.
Waller has provided this team with a receiving threat they haven't seen since Greg Olsen's departure. His speed has opened up the middle of the field for Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillian to feast on defensive backs, yet he’s just as dangerous as a pass catcher.
Carolina Panthers are using their tight ends to great effect in new-look offense
The Georgia Tech product is on pace for 503 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Both would be the most the Panthers have seen from the position since 2019.
Waller's impact doesn’t stop there. His influence lets Tremble play a more natural TE2 role.
The Panthers are playing to Tremble's strengths as a run blocker, melting defensive backs and linebackers as he climbs to the second level on run plays. We’re also finally seeing his athletic advantage show up as a pass catcher.
After Sunday's explosion against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tremble is on pace for career highs in yards and touchdowns. Forcing defenses to account for both players has done wonders for this offense that now ranks first in passing yards per game.
Every starting lineup needs a sixth man, and that honor goes to the guy who’s quote started it all.
Evans has essentially been a less athletic but just as physical Tremble. He’s the player they want on the field when running back Chuba Hubbard is toting the rock.
I've watched Evans and Tremble wipe defenders off the face of the planet to open up lanes in the rushing attack. Still, he provides just enough juice as a pass catcher to keep defenses honest.
The Panthers haven’t seen this much production from a tight end group in over half a decade. If this continues, this offense could be shooting fireworks late into January.
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