Now that the 2025 season is in the books and the preparations for the 2026 offseason are well underway, we're going to take a look at where the Panthers stand for the future at each position. We'll cover one position group per day through the next two weeks, offering a look at where things stand in advance of free agency and the draft. The series started Monday with a look at the offensive line, then running backs on Tuesday, and quarterbacks on Wednesday.

CHARLOTTE — Dave Canales has never been shy about his affinity for tight end usage. From the moment he arrived he promised to employ the group in a number of ways, and as the Panthers have built out the unit, that has come to life on the field.

"A really tightly knitted group," Canales said back in November of the tight end room. "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."

The unit was on the field often in 2025, with four guys registering at least three or more receptions: Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell.

"They're tough, versatile guys that we trust," continued Canales. "So we try to get them all out there to have a chance to affect the game."

In back-to-back years now under Dan Morgan and Dave Canales, the Panthers have drafted a tight end. The first was Sanders, a fourth-round pick in 2024. Then came Evans, a fifth-rounder in 2025. The influx of youth in the vein of the new age tight end (a big bodied guy who can block but also has big pass catching ability) has helped take the unit to the next level. But it took a hit when Sanders suffered a fractured fibula in Week 17, taking him off the field for the season finale and playoff game.

Tremble and Evans received help from veteran journeyman James Mitchell in the final two games.

UNDER CONTRACT FOR 2026: Ja'Tavion Sanders (2027), Tommy Tremble  (2026), Mitchell Evans (2028), Bryce Pierre (2026).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: James Mitchell.

WHAT WENT RIGHT IN 2025

The Panthers really leaned into what the group can add to the run and perimeter passing game. Carolina employed 13 personnel (football jargon for three tight ends on the field at the same time) in 7.8 percent of their plays this season, the sixth-highest rate in the entire league. The blocking structure helped lead the way for Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, as the former hit 1,000-plus yards for the second straight season.

As a unit, the tight ends contributed 62 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns. The yardage total was 21 percent of the Panthers offense this season. Tremble led all tight ends with 27 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Evans as well proved himself to be a reliable target in the red zone with his two scores. It was Sanders on the receiving end of one of Bryce Young's most exciting touchdowns this season.

The group also proved themselves to be a safety blanket for Young when it came time to move the chains. Of those 62 receptions, 29 went for first downs (47 percent), none bigger than Tremble's 54-yard catch-and-run in overtime to set up a Week 11 win against the Falcons.

NEXT STEPS FOR 2026

Other than Mitchell, who remains a restricted free agent for now, everyone else in the unit is under contract for the season. It will be a prove it year for Tremble, who the Panthers resigned to a two-year deal last offseason, meaning this upcoming slate is the final year on his current contract. Tremble will be 26 years old when the season begins.

Mitchell, as mentioned, is a restricted free agent. That means he is free to negotiate with other teams, but the Panthers can offer a deal that comes with right of first refusal.

Sanders and Evans will both turn 23 years old in March, though Sanders is now going into his third season while Evans will be in his second. Based on the general timeline for a broken fibula in an athlete, Sanders could return to the field anytime between OTAs in April, or training camp in July.