Ja’Tavion Sanders Primed for Breakout Season as Panthers’ TE1

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 10:24 AM ET

The Carolina Panthers are banking on a youth-driven resurgence under Dan Morgan and Dave Canales, and second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is at the center of it. Drafted 101st overall in 2024, Sanders impressed in his rookie campaign, posting more receiving yards than any Panthers tight end since Greg Olsen. Though he faced a setback with a neck injury against the Chiefs, his potential remains sky-high.

Sanders has returned to offseason workouts in noticeably better shape. With veteran Tommy Tremble sidelined by a back injury and rookie Mitchell Evans still acclimating, Sanders is seizing the opportunity to establish himself as the team’s long-term TE1.

He’s also building strong on-field chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young, which could be a critical factor for Carolina’s offensive success this season. Sanders’ playmaking ability and commitment to improving his consistency have coaches and fans optimistic about a breakout year.

If Sanders continues his upward trajectory and the Panthers’ young receiving corps steps up, this offense could outperform expectations. His rise could finally give Carolina the reliable tight end presence it’s lacked since Olsen’s departure. All signs point to Sanders being a focal point in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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