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.”