TE Darren Waller has inked a one-year deal with the Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Waller came out of retirement last year and put together nine efficient games for the Dolphins. He turns 34 in September but immediately becomes the favorite to lead a weak Panthers TE group.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Waller caught 24 balls for 283 yards and six TDs across nine games with Miami last year, ranking 17th among TEs in PPR points per game.
He was even better on a per-route basis. Among 49 TEs with 30+ targets last year, Waller ranked:
- 10th in targets per route
- eighth in yards per route
- third in fantasy points per route
He also finished 10th in Fantasy Points' separation score and second in Pro Football Focus receiving grade.
Waller can still play and should beat out Ja'Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, and Tommy Tremble for lead pass-catching duties in Carolina.
The issue is a Panthers passing game that has ranked 32nd, 30th, and 26th in passing yards in QB Bryce Young's three seasons. Unless Young takes a big step forward this year, Waller is unlikely to be a reliable fantasy option as the No. 3 target behind WRs Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
Waller checks in 33rd in our updated PPR TE rankings.
