The Carolina Panthers are evaluating their tight end group as they prepare for the 2026 offseason. Head coach Dave Canales has consistently highlighted the importance of tight ends in his system, emphasizing their versatility and the multiple roles they play on the field.
“A really tightly knitted group,” Canales said in November. “Tough — definitely detailed. (Tight ends coach) Pat McPherson does a great job with these guys — being prepared. Tight end is a very difficult position to play, as you know. Running routes, blocking in the run game, being part of the pass protection unit as well. So, there’s a lot of things we ask (of) them — they’re very smart guys, conscientious.”
In 2025, four players—Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell—each recorded at least three receptions. Canales noted: “They’re tough, versatile guys that we trust. So we try to get them all out there to have a chance to affect the game.”
The Panthers have added young talent at tight end over consecutive drafts under general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Sanders was selected in the fourth round in 2024 and Evans followed as a fifth-round pick in 2025. This infusion of youth has helped develop a group capable of both blocking and contributing as receivers.
However, injuries affected depth late in the season when Sanders suffered a fractured fibula during Week 17 and missed both the final regular season game and playoff appearance.
For 2026, Ja’Tavion Sanders (under contract through 2027), Tommy Tremble (through 2026), Mitchell Evans (through 2028), and Bryce Pierre (through 2026) remain on contract. James Mitchell is currently a restricted free agent.
During the past season, Carolina used formations featuring three tight ends on nearly eight percent of plays—the sixth-highest rate in the NFL—which contributed significantly to both running and passing games. The tight ends combined for 62 receptions totaling 638 yards and five touchdowns; this accounted for about one-fifth of total offensive yardage.
Tremble led all tight ends with 27 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns while Evans also made an impact with two red zone scores. The unit provided reliable options for quarterback Bryce Young; nearly half their receptions resulted in first downs.
Looking ahead to next season, most members of this group will return except for Mitchell unless he re-signs or receives an offer sheet from another team that Carolina declines to match due to right-of-first-refusal rules associated with restricted free agency.
Sanders is expected back from injury between spring workouts or training camp depending on recovery progress; both he and Evans will turn 23 before next season begins.
The Panthers play home games at Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina https://www.panthers.com/. Since joining the NFL as an expansion team in 1995 https://www.panthers.com/, they have achieved several division titles and playoff appearances https://www.panthers.com/, while maintaining strong community involvement across North and South Carolina https://www.panthers.com/.
