Darren Waller is back for another NFL season after signing with the Carolina Panthers on Monday in a surprising move. Needing to make room on the roster, the Panthers waived guard Joshua Grey and released linebacker Nic Hampton with an injury settlement.
The deal has attracted scrutiny from fans, many of who took to X to share their reactions.
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Amos Martinez wrote:
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“Can’t believe he’s still getting signed to teams to just sit with a pulled hammy all season lol!”
Walter declared:
“Enjoy this moment because he will be hurt soon.”
Fabo commented:
“This guy left the NFL to pursue a career in music probably blew most of his money and now is back to make money cool story good luck.”
Jarrett Bailey posted:
“Whenever you’re in “sign Darren Waller” territory, I’m just gonna assume you’re gonna suck.”
Snake wrote:
“Fix the Offensive line. Thats the only thing I want to see.”
Icey Monty wrote:
“Real 90s baby finna show the world 33 the new 23 let’s go!!!”
Darren Waller turns 34 in September, and has endured a career plagued by injuries. He temporarily retired, missing the entire 2024 season before returning to spend the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins.
The veteran tight end caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns in just nine games for the Dolphins last season. Miami’s passing game coordinator last year, Darrell Bevell, now serves as the Panthers assistant head coach and offensive specialist.
What Darren Waller’s signing means for the Carolina Panthers
Bevell’s familiarity with Waller was instrumental in bringing him to Carolina. Although the tight end only managed six touchdowns last season, it matched the total touchdown tally of the Panthers’ tight end room from that period.
The Panthers have lacked a vertical threat at tight end for years, making it an immediate need for the team. Their last tight end to reach 500 receiving yards in a single season was Greg Olsen in 2019.
For comparison, Tommy Tremble led the Panthers’ tight ends in 2025 with 249 receiving yards in 17 games. Darren Waller easily beat that despite playing less games due to injury last season.
Carolina’s head coach Dave Canales described Waller’s signing as an opportunity to “challenge our roster and rooms.” If he’s healthy enough to play, Waller will give Bryce Young a huge red-zone target with his 6’6″ frame.
Edited by Kayode Akinwumi
