Teams around the NFL will be looking to bolster their depth chart when free agency begins next week, and the Carolina Panthers are no exception after a five-win performance in 2024. While several positions must be addressed, tight end is one area that the Panthers can't ignore.
As it stands, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Dominique Dafney, and James Mitchell are the only tight ends who the Panthers currently have under contract. The TE trio has only combined for 543 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 50 catches in their respective careers, highlighting a need to upgrade the position.
Head coach Dave Canales recently told The Charlotte Observer that the Panthers want to bring in tough and versatile TEs who can help add to the run game. Fortunately, the perfect player to help with that need just became available.
Panthers Must Target TE Quintin Morris in Free Agency
On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Buffalo Bills "have elected not to tender TE Quintin Morris." Although the Bills apparently "would still like to bring him back," the Panthers can use this news to help improve their tight end outlook.
The #Bills have elected not to tender TE Quintin Morris, source said, though they would still like to bring him back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2025
A TE who can catch and block, Morris started three games.
Morris, 26, joined the Bills as an undrafted following the 2021 NFL draft. The former All-MAC TE became a lineup regular after spending most of his rookie year on the practice squad, playing 52 games (5 starts) between the regular season and playoffs since 2022.
Morris isn't the most offensively gifted TE, however, his blocking skills are exactly what Canales is looking for. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 252 lbs, the ex-Bowling Green product has recorded a Pro Football Focus pass block grade of 71.9 or better in back-to-back seasons.
Although he isn't the most consistent run blocker, it's worth noting that Morris tallied a run block grade of at least 60.0 in seven of his final 10 games to close out the 2024 campaign.
Rostering a tight end who knows how to find the end zone is a plus, but finding one who can reliably protect a team's quarterback is also important. While Morris won't bring the Panthers back to the playoffs on his own, his blocking skills could be key to unlocking QB Bryce Young's next level.
The Panthers can start negotiating with Morris (and any other outside free agents) when the NFL's tampering period begins on Monday, March 10.