The Carolina Panthers finally filled their longest-running roster hole on Monday, signing former Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller to a one-year deal. We don't know how much Waller will be making as of yet, but we do know he's the best receiving tight end the team has had since Greg Olsen's exit six years ago.
What separates Waller from the other tight ends that have come along in the post-Olsen era is his ability as a pass-catcher. Here's what head coach Dave Canales had to about what Waller brings to the table for the Panthers offense, per Joe Person at The Athletic:
“You can play him like a tight end, you can play him like a receiver. He’s huge. Just standing with him out there, he’s all of 6-6 and a half. He’s lean. He can run. All those things," Canales told reporters after yesterday's practice. "It’s a unique element that he brings to whatever offense he’s been a part of. The goal is just throw him into that room, challenge that room and see which guys want to elevate and create that role for Bryce (Young).”
Waller's best years were in 2019 and 2020 with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, when he posted over 1,100 receiving yards two seasons in a row. He won't be approaching anywhere near that kind of production this late in his career, but the Panthers don't need him to perform like the Pro Bowler he once was.
His greatest value for Carolina's offense will be making Young's life easier in the red zone, where the Panthers ranked 14th in touchdown percentage last season. Waller should also help on third down, where they ranked just 25th with a 36.1-percent conversion rate.
Last year with the Dolphins, Waller posted 24 catches (19 for first downs), 283 yards and six touchdowns. Those kinds of numbers would provide a significant boost to Carolina's passing offense where it's most needed.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales talks about what TE Darren Waller brings to the offense
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