Darren Waller’s fast start has given Bryce Young a major red-zone target as the Carolina Panthers head into Week 3. The 34-year-old tight end has caught all five passes thrown his way for 61 yards and two touchdowns, helping Carolina open the season with 71 points through two games.
What changed for the franchise
Carolina signed Waller to a one-year contract in August, bringing in the 6-foot-6, 238-pound veteran after he missed most of training camp and all of the preseason while learning the offense. He returned from retirement to play nine games with Miami in 2025, and his earlier experience adjusting quickly has helped him build an immediate connection with Young.
Waller had a touchdown erased by an offensive pass interference call against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. He responded in the Panthers’ 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons by catching both of his red-zone targets from Young for touchdowns.
Former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme pointed to Waller’s size advantage, particularly on a corner-end-zone touchdown before halftime against Atlanta. Waller was matched with Falcons cornerback C.J. Henderson, who is listed at 6-foot-1, but the tight end’s frame made the matchup difficult for the defense.
Waller’s presence also created Carolina’s first touchdown against the Falcons. He drew two defenders in coverage, leaving running back Chuba Hubbard open in the flat for a score.
Coach Dave Canales said Waller was acquired to stress defenses with size-based mismatches against safeties and linebackers. The attention Waller commands can free the Panthers’ other playmakers and give the offense more balance in the passing game.
Young has opened the season with 648 passing yards, six touchdown passes and one interception. He said the early chemistry with Waller has come from constant communication, with both players discussing route preferences and expectations. Young also cited Waller’s extensive experience as a reason for the trust developing between them.
Waller said his Miami stint helped prepare him for another late arrival with a new team. He said he is not surprised by the immediate production, believing his job is to capitalize when targets come his way rather than focus on volume.
His production near the goal line has been especially efficient. Across 11 games with Miami and Carolina since his return, Waller has run 37 red-zone routes and caught eight of nine targets for 62 yards and eight touchdowns. His 3.8 red-zone receptions above expected since the start of the 2025 season trails only San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle’s 5.3 figure.
Young has distributed six touchdown throws among three teammates through two games. Waller, Hubbard and wide receiver Jalen Coker each have two receiving touchdowns. Young threw eight touchdown passes to tight ends and running backs across 16 games in 2025; he already has four to those positions this season.
Waller said his impact is not limited to plays in which he receives the football. He emphasized staying involved as a blocker, decoy and route runner, while being ready to make a play when an opportunity develops.
His early role has also drawn fantasy attention. Waller sits 10th among tight ends in ESPN PPR scoring after two weeks and was rostered in 7.6% of ESPN leagues late Wednesday, up from 2.9% entering the week. Dalton Schultz, Dalton Kincaid and Oronde Gadsden had been added in more leagues at that point.
Next kickoff
The Panthers, 1-1, visit the Cleveland Browns, also 1-1, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Cleveland has allowed eight catches, 70 yards and one touchdown to opposing tight ends over its first two games, though Waller presents a more dynamic route-running and speed matchup than Jacksonville’s Brenton Strange or Tampa Bay’s Cade Otton.
