It's been a long time since the Carolina Panthers had legitimate production at tight end. There were real concerns about the current unit, but general manager Dan Morgan opted to stand pat over free agency and the draft, giving those around a fighting chance to prove themselves.
Now, the front office leader has taken action. And it comes with a move that completely goes away from his typical roster-building stance.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers have signed Darren Waller to a one-year deal. He ended a brief retirement to sign for the Miami Dolphins last season, flashing some promise. Carolina clearly believes he can offer something within their scheme, but it does have a desperate feel.
Carolina Panthers shake up tight end room with surprise Darren Waller signing
Waller's best days are long gone. His phenomenal two-year stretch with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019-20 saw him become one of the league's best pass-catching options at the position. Things have tailed off dramatically since, with injury problems and a distinct lack of motivation causing his demise.
The Panthers have primarily relied on a youth movement throughout Morgan's tenure. They have moved away from signing aging veterans past their prime, so acquiring Waller suggests they are not happy with how things are unfolding at tight end.
Though Waller is no sure thing, either. His arrival instantly turns up the heat.
The 2015 sixth-round pick out of Georgia Tech ended a one-year exile by joining the Dolphins last season. Waller played just nine times with three starts, catching 24 passes for 283 receiving yards and six touchdowns. This red-zone threat is intriguing, and it's something those in Carolina's tight end room right now just don't provide.
Whether Waller can fit in immediately is another matter.
He's an enigmatic character. He's outspoken and can make excuses when things aren't going well. That's not going to fly in Carolina's locker room, so it won't take Waller long to get found out if he doesn't display the correct attitude during what is surely his final chance in the NFL.
This also brings a more important question. One that already looks like it could haunt Morgan if Waller cannot make a better go of things in Carolina.
Why the Panthers didn't go after one of the prominent free agents earlier in the offseason, or a highly touted tight end prospect via the draft, is anyone's guess.
Morgan and head coach Dave Canales don't give up on their draft picks easily, and they wanted to see if improvements could arrive. This pivot hints at dissatisfaction, and if Waller makes a smooth transition, one of these underperformers will be making way.
Let's see how it plays out. But it's another opening for Waller when hope was fading.
Capitalizing on it is crucial.
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