Late Free Agent Moves Giving Panthers Early Returns

Tight end Darren Waller and linebacker Bobby Okereke, signed just before the season, contributed to Carolina's 34-3 rout of Atlanta.

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan waited until the final stretch of the 2026 offseason to address two glaring needs, adding tight end Darren Waller and inside linebacker Bobby Okereke in the closing days of free agency. Both veterans have moved well beyond stopgap status through the season's first two weeks.

In Sunday's 34-3 dismantling of the Atlanta Falcons, Okereke stood out defensively and has now recorded 15 tackles plus an interception on the year. Waller, meanwhile, caught two touchdowns against Atlanta, both on passes from inside 12 yards of the goal line.

At 34, Waller is not expected to pile up receiving yardage, but his presence near the end zone gives quarterback Bryce Young another option besides wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan inside the 20. Waller also reached the end zone in Carolina's Week 1 defeat against Chicago, though the score was erased by an offensive pass interference flag the report described as questionable.

Other newcomers are contributing as well. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips has 2.0 sacks, and linebacker Devin Lloyd posted a rare Week 2 stat line of nine tackles, two interceptions, a touchdown and a sack. Concerns remain, notably a run defense that is again surrendering more yards on the ground than any other team by a significant gap, but the late additions appear to have strengthened the roster overall.