All Panthers

Analyst explains bizarre Panthers 53-man roster move

The Carolina Panthers have an abundance of one position on the 53-man roster going into the season.
Jeremy Brener|
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders reacts after a first down against the Atlanta Falcons.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders reacts after a first down against the Atlanta Falcons. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

The dust has settled and the Carolina Panthers have their 53-man roster going into the season.

While there were a few surprises on the roster, the biggest move that was viewed as a surprise was the team's decision to carry four tight ends. ESPN insider David Newton explained why the Panthers opted to keep a quartet at the position.

"Releasing 2021 Pro Bowl wideout Hunter Renfrow in his attempt at a comeback from ulcerative colitis will get the biggest headlines, particularly since the Panthers kept seven wide receivers," Newton wrote.

"But the most significant move is keeping four tight ends in Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell. It shows the team isn't sure Tremble will be 100 percent recovered from back surgery after missing most of camp. Look for this number to change once the dust settles."

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Panthers are expecting Sanders to emerge as the top tight end for the group this season. The second-year pro out of Texas caught 33 passes for 342 yards and a touchdown in his rookie season with the Panthers.

The team selected a blocking tight end in Evans in the fifth round out of Notre Dame, while Mitchell could be the odd man out once Tremble is fully healthy.

If the Panthers can get some quality contributions from their tight ends this season, the offense will continue to improve.

The Panthers are getting ready for their Week 1 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers should call Patriots about 9-INT safety they’re actively shopping

Vikings insider names key factor in Adam Thielen trade talks with Panthers

NFL execs ESPN Panthers stay Jaycee Horn among worst top-100 snubs

Carolina Panthers 2025 roster cuts tracker: QB Jack Plummer first to go

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow JeremyBrener
Home/News