Veteran tight end Darren Waller has agreed to a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Wednesday.
The 33-year-old's return to the league follows a brief comeback with the Miami Dolphins last season, where he played in nine games. Waller had initially retired in June 2024 after one season with the New York Giants, sitting out the entire 2024 campaign before making his return.
During his nine games with the Dolphins, Waller recorded 24 receptions for 283 yards and six touchdowns. This marked his second-highest single-season touchdown total in his nine-year career. His 2025 season was hampered by injuries, including hip and pectoral issues, along with a groin strain.
Waller's initial retirement came shortly after his divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum in June 2024. The couple were married for just over a year. Following the divorce, Waller spoke about the need for self-reflection, telling Power 105.1's 'The Breakfast Club' that he had to examine his role in relationship patterns and address codependency.
When healthy, Waller has demonstrated flashes of his Pro Bowl form, earning the selection in 2020 with the Las Vegas Raiders. His move to Carolina reunites him with assistant coach Darrell Bevell, who was Miami's passing game coordinator during Waller's time there.
The Panthers are looking to improve their receiving options for quarterback Bryce Young and have struggled to get consistent production from the tight end position. Waller joins a young tight end group that includes Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble. The franchise has not had a tight end surpass 400 receiving yards in a single season since Greg Olsen in 2019.
