Initial depth chart releases in the NFL are often unsurprising. Thanks to the lead-up from the summer, and some common sense, we usually have a pretty good idea of how teams will stack up going into the start of the regular season.
The Carolina Panthers revealed their first depth chart of the 2026 campaign on Tuesday. And although largely expected, the ranks did include a few intriguing placements.
Here are our biggest takeaways from the Panthers' first unofficial depth chart ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears:
Waller's rise
As anticipated, Tommy Tremble is listed as Carolina's starting tight end with 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans backing him up at No. 2. But the room gets a little interesting after that.
Former Pro Bowler Darren Waller,
who was signed three weeks ago, has jumped 2024 fourth-rounder Ja'Tavion Sanders for the No. 3 spot. Waller just received high praise from head coach Dave Canales, who told reporters on Monday that the soon-to-be 34-year-old is looking "big and fast" in practice.
His placement could be an indication that the coaching staff is comfortable in keeping him active for Sunday, as well as an indictment on Sanders' outlook. The Panthers had hoped that Sanders would provide some much-needed receiving production at the tight end position, but have seen him amass just 532 yards and two touchdowns over his two seasons.
Waller seems to be angling for that role, as Sanders—who has been the subject of some recent trade rumors—continues to be phased out.
Meanwhile, special teams ace Feleipe Franks, who did impress as a pass catcher during the preseason, rounds out the bunch at No. 5.
A big opportunity for a big rookie
In what may be a mild surprise to some, 2026 second-round pick Lee Hunter has overtaken second-year lineman Cam Jackson for a starting spot in the defensive trench. Instead of waiting for the 6-foot-3, 318-pound rookie to keep working his way up the totem pole, Carolina has decided that he's already primed for the responsibility.
Perhaps Hunter's presence can help ease the burden on his fellow starters, the Browns—Derrick and Bobby. The former could use a bit of help eating up blockers while the latter is trying to bounce back from a disappointing start to his three-year, $21 million pact.
Hunter, who tallied 2.5 sacks and a total of 10.5 tackles for a loss at Texas Tech in 2025, might be able to provide the push this unit needed last season.
Horn on the return
With running back and primary returner Trevor Etienne on injured reserve, wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. has been noted as the leading man for both kick and punt duties.
A fan favorite for his speed, grit and clutch factor, Horn finally has the opening to make a difference on a more consistent basis. He has looked rather comfortable in his chances as a returner, and his quickness and suddenness could help bring Carolina's special teams to another level.
Although Etienne served relatively well in this job as a rookie, he doesn't match the excitement and home-run ability Horn brings to the field.
Horn is backed by fellow receiver Xavier Legette and starting running back Chuba Hubbard.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' first 2026 regular-season depth chart
