Darren Waller's return from retirement will continue into the 2026-27 NFL season. He has signed with a new team ahead of the preseason.
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the veteran tight end has signed a one-year deal to join the Carolina Panthers. He will continue his NFL career while playing for his fifth team since 2015.
Waller will now have the opportunity to step in and become a security blanket of sorts for quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers haven't had a tight end catch more than 50 passes in a season since Greg Olsen in 2019.
Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell combined for 78 catches and five touchdowns last season. Waller caught 29 passes for six touchdowns in only nine games last season while playing for the Dolphins.
A sixth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Waller entered the league with the Ravens. He spent two active seasons with the team and only produced 12 receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He also dealt with substance abuse issues that resulted in a season-long suspension in 2017.
Waller spent most of the 2018 season on the Ravens practice squad before landing with the Raiders in November of that year. This kicked off a five-year stint with the Silver and Black in which he produced numerous big plays for the offense.
The Maryland native posted consecutive 1,100-yard seasons for the Raiders in 2019 and 2020. He caught 12 touchdown passes and earned one trip to the Pro Bowl.
Injuries limited Waller in 2021 and 2022 as he only appeared in 20 total games. He accounted for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns across his final two seasons in Las Vegas.
The Raiders traded the veteran tight end to the Giants in 2023. He appeared in 12 games due to injuries, and he caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown. He then announced his retirement.
Waller missed the 2024 season before ultimately coming out of retirement for 2025. The Giants traded him to the Dolphins. He played in only nine games due to pectoral and groin injuries.
