Carolina Panthers stand ready to revamp a long-forgotten position
After years of mediocre production, the Carolina Panthers are trying to get more out of a forgotten spot on the field.
It isn't a secret that the Carolina Panthers haven't used the tight end position to the fullest of the team's abilities in recent years.
During the 2023 season, Carolina's top receiving tight end was Tommy Tremble who claimed 194 yards and three touchdowns on the entire season.
As a whole, Tremble, Hayden Hurst and Thomas racked up 434 yards and four touchdowns. Under new head coach Dave Canales, it appears this forgotten position group will see an increase in production and targets.
"It’s perfect for tight ends because you get to be yourself," Thomas said of Canales' offense to ESPN's David Newton. "They give you a lot of opportunities, a lot of chances to fit in and mold into the offense. It’s different setups that have given us mismatches. It is working well so far.”
To be among the elite teams in the NFL, Carolina will need good tight-end play. That hasn't been the case for Carolina over the last four seasons. It isn't a surprise that the team has missed the postseason each year as a result.
During that same stretch, seven Carolina tight ends totaled 181 catches for 1,734 yards and 10 touchdowns to rank last in the NFL in all three categories.
Leading the way in tight end production over the last four years was the Kansas City Chiefs, with superstar Travis Kelce. Kansas City amassed 505 catches for 5,888 yards and 47 touchdowns. It is not shocking that as a result, the Chiefs have won multiple Super Bowls during that stretch.
The Chiefs are the standard Carolina is chasing. And the Panthers have a long way to go. But the team is making strides forward.
Ja'Tavion Sanders was selected in the fourth round.
"I feel like I'm kind of advanced as far as my receiving goes,'' Sanders said.
The rookie plans to be the Greg Olsen, a desire with which the Panthers aren't objecting to.
With a combination of Sanders, Thomas and Tremble, Carolina hopes Bryce Young finds comfort and familiarity with a tight end room open to become preeminent receiving threats during the 2024 season.
Panthers tight end claims he can be exactly what Bryce Young needs in 2024 season
When the Carolina Panthers drafted Ja’Tavion Sanders, the franchise knew it was getting a versatile tight end.
