There is an enormous amount of intrigue around Darren Waller's arrival. The Carolina Panthers believe they needed more at the tight end position, and they struck with conviction to get the athletic veteran into the fold.
This is a desperate attempt to find the right solution. But Waller is confident he can make a considerable impression when he gets fully up to speed.
Waller tried to alleviate fears about his health, claiming this is the best he's felt in some time. He's been working hard throughout the offseason in readiness for his next opportunity, and he is bullish about his ability to be productive despite being in the twilight of his eventful playing career.
Darren Waller is confident of making a considerable impact with Carolina Panthers
And if he's right, this could make a massive difference for an offense in desperate need of production from the tight end spot.
"I feel as good as I've felt in years right now. I feel like the training that I put in this offseason has allowed me to be — from an explosive speed, movement standpoint, where I was when people remember me at the peak of my career. And I think my scoring potential was unlocked last year in ways that hadn't been before. So combine those two, you still get a pretty decent product out of me."
Waller has had trouble staying healthy, which was the case again last season with the Miami Dolphins. But when he was fit and firing on all cylinders, he emerged as a decent pass-catching option and a prolific red-zone threat.
This is something the Panthers found out for themselves in Week 5 last season. Waller torched them early, gaining five receptions from as many targets for 78 receiving yards and a touchdown. If he can bring anything like that production to Carolina while staying on the field, this could be a shrewd addition.
The Panthers had to do something. General manager Dan Morgan wanted to give his young tight ends a chance to impress this offseason, given his eagerness to draft and develop talent. However, he was clearly not satisfied with their progress.
Waller is not a sure thing, either. But in terms of ceiling with a smooth transition, the Georgia Tech product represents an upgrade on anything Carolina has in its tight end room, at least when it comes to pass-catching.
It'll be a gradual process. Head coach Dave Canales wants to build Waller up before increases his workload. He won't feature in joint practice or the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Pro Bowler is experienced enough to pick things up quickly.
Expecting Waller to cross 1,000 receiving yards at this stage of his career is pushing it. But if he can become a dependable outlet, a fierce red-zone asset, and stay healthy, the production should follow.
This might be Waller's final chance in the league. He knows it, but the self-confidence remains high.
But for the Panthers, talk is cheap. Delivering when it counts carries much more weight.
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