The Carolina Panthers took five tight ends onto their 53-man roster. General manager Dan Morgan didn't remove any of them to make room for waiver acquisitions, leading to speculation that Ja'Tavion Sanders was being shopped in a potential trade.
The player didn't miss it, either.
Sanders was tabbed as the odd man out from the moment Carolina signed Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. The Panthers haven't seen enough growth from the No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Morgan opted to bring in an experienced wild card to potentially give the unit a lift.
Ja'Tavion Sanders is taking Carolina Panthers trade rumors in his stride
Joe Person of The Athletic reported that the Panthers had engaged in trade talks, but no deal to move Sanders was officially confirmed. Keeping him around gives Morgan time to find a willing suitor, but the player is rightfully focusing on what he can control.
During his recent locker room media availability, Sanders acknowledged that he'd heard the chatter around his potential departure from the team that drafted him. However, he's staying the course and still approaching things positively for as long as he's with the organization.
And in all honesty, that's all he can do.
"I don't pay too much mind to it. I saw it on social media, but you can't let the media affect your mindset. Still got to come into work every day and prepare the same way. It didn't really affect me at all."
#Panthers TE Ja’Tavion Sanders on trade rumors: pic.twitter.com/TedVwu5Co8
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 7, 2026
Whether Sanders will be active in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears remains to be seen. Waller is ramping things up, but he might not be ready for a full workload. Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble will pick up the slack, but neither would be classed as a prolific pass-catcher.
Sanders isn't either. But the Texas product has the athleticism to make plays if he can find some much-needed consistency.
If Sanders is on the outside looking in, that will confirm fans' suspicions. And if a suitable offer arrives from elsewhere before the trade deadline, Morgan would no doubt seriously consider the possibility in this scenario.
Until something is confirmed one way or another, Sanders will remain professional.
He won't be giving up without a fight, and there could still be some untapped potential left if Sanders can somehow build momentum. Waller's presence won't help, especially once he gets fully up to speed. But throwing in the towel is simply not an option.
We're about to find out where Sanders really stands after weeks of rumors. And his status on the game-day roster to kick off the campaign could set the tone for what's to come.
Time will tell on all fronts...
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