Darren Waller Signs with Carolina Panthers for Another Season

Darren Waller, the Pro Bowl tight end, is set to return to the NFL for at least another season.

Waller has officially signed with the Carolina Panthers, as announced by his agency, Rosenhaus Sports, Wednesday evening. While the contract spans one year, the specific terms haven’t been revealed yet.

At 33, Waller initially retired after his stint with the Giants in 2023. However, he made a comeback in 2025 when the Dolphins traded for him.

During his time with Miami, Waller played in nine games, achieving 24 catches, 283 yards, and six touchdowns, marking one of the most productive seasons in his career.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered his performance throughout the season. A hip injury sidelined him for the first month, and later, a torn pectoral muscle kept him off the field for another four games. He ended the season on injured reserve due to a groin issue.

When healthy, Waller demonstrated flashes of the talent that earned him a Pro Bowl spot in 2020, where he recorded personal highs of 107 receptions and 1,196 yards.

Expectations were high when he joined the Giants, but the outcome fell short. In just 12 games, he managed only 552 receiving yards and a single touchdown.

Reflecting on his decision to retire last October, Waller mentioned feeling like he wasn’t in a position to thrive in New York. “There were personal things I was dealing with… Stepping away felt right,” he stated during a podcast. He expressed frustration with his role, suggesting he wasn’t utilized effectively. “I was doing the necessary tasks but didn’t get opportunities to truly shine,” he added.

Now, with the Panthers, Waller will be vying for playing time among five other tight ends. Last season, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble caught 29 and 27 passes, respectively.