Darren Waller Signs with Carolina Panthers, Reports Improved Conditioning

Darren Waller has officially signed with the Carolina Panthers, five days after his agent informed him of the opportunity. The veteran tight end, who turns 34 in September, previously played for the Miami Dolphins, where he caught 24 passes and scored six touchdowns over nine games last season.

During a recent practice in high temperatures, Waller participated in conditioning exercises alongside other injured players. Panthers coach Dave Canales noted Waller's impressive physical condition upon his arrival at training camp. Waller himself remarked that his fitness level is vastly improved compared to last summer, when he returned from a year-long retirement.

Waller began his offseason training immediately after the Super Bowl but had to wait until mid-August for a team to sign him. He acknowledged that concerns about his age and past injuries may have deterred other teams. As he integrates into the Panthers' offense, Waller is focused on learning the playbook and developing chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young.