Before the start of the 2026 regular season, the Carolina Panthers made a few 11th-hour moves to boost their roster where it's weakest. First, they signed tight end Darren Waller, then they added inside linebacker Bobby Okereke—giving them a pass-catching threat at the position that's long needed it as well as a capable starter alongside Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd.
The former move now means that the Panthers are currently carrying five tight ends on their active roster, which may be at least one too many. But almost two weeks ago, we learned that Carolina may be trying to offload one of them—as rumors about a potential trade of 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders began to circulate.
Well, Sanders was asked about that chatter following Monday's
practice. Here's what he had to say . . .
#Panthers TE Ja’Tavion Sanders on trade rumors: pic.twitter.com/TedVwu5Co8
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 7, 2026
While it's the right move for the Panthers to attempt to move on, the trouble is that Sanders might have very little trade value. In two seasons, he has totaled just 532 yards and two touchdowns and made no real impact as a blocker, either.
For now, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sanders turn out as a healthy scratch for Sunday's opener against the Chicago Bears—with Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks and perhaps even Darren Waller as more appealing options for Carolina.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders comments on trade rumors
