Panthers OC Joe Brady plans on getting tight ends more involved in passing game

Tight end was a missing piece of the puzzle for the Carolina Panthers’ passing offense last season. Between Ian Thomas, Chris Manhertz and Colin Thompson, the team got a grand total of 204 yards and two touchdowns. Heading into the 2021 campaign, it’s difficult to project what kind of production we’ll see from this position.

For what it’s worth, the Panthers are saying they want the tight ends more involved. Here’s what offensive coordinator Joe Brady had to say, per Darin Gantt at the team website.

“The tree that I grew up in, the tight ends are the most important position on the field, the matchups that they create, and everything. . . It’s been a point of emphasis this offseason, just trying to get those guys going in the passing game. And I think those guys have kind of taken and ran with it.”

Carolina has a new name at the top of the depth chart in Dan Arnold, who signed a two-year deal after showing promise with the Arizona Cardinals last season. Arnold posted 31 catches, 438 yards and four touchdowns, all career highs. While that may not sound like much, it’d be a big improvement over what the Panthers have been getting from their tight ends since Greg Olsen’s foot issues began in 2017.

Ian Thomas is still around but he’s under a lot of pressure this year to step up and deliver more. Thomas has suffered from consistency issues and hasn’t come close to matching the 333 yards he had his rookie year.

The new kid on the block is Tommy Tremble, a third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame who was dubbed the best blocker in college football. Living up to that label will help keep him on the field. Contributing as a receiver as well might make him a critical offensive piece.