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The Panthers Have a Genuine Roster Problem Named Feleipe Franks Right Now
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- The Panthers Have a Genuine Roster Problem Named Feleipe Franks Right Now
The Carolina Panthers ' tight end room has been fascinating to keep up with this offseason.
That unit was not productive in 2025, so many assumed the team would add a player in free agency or the draft. That didn't happen, so the talk then became about Ja'Tavion Sanders, and whether or not he can have a third-year breakout in 2026.
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Well, then Sanders failed to impress all summer, and he found himself as a third stringer on the depth chart. As a result, the team went out and signed Darren Waller last week, presumably because of Sanders' struggles.
While all of that was going on, though, a forgotten tight end on the roster was starting to make noise. Feleipe Franks , who was originally a quarterback, is back on the Panthers for the second time in 2026. And, so far, it looks like Franks might actually be able to stick .
Franks Continues to Impress in Multiple Ways
Franks has been in the league since 2021, but he's played almost exclusively on special team. The tight end only has one reception in his career, but he's earned positive marks for how he performs on special teams.
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This summer, Franks has continued to impress on special teams, but he seems to be coming along as a pass-catcher. Panthers beat writer Mike Kaye said Franks "has caught the ball consistently well all summer," and the veteran added a nice touchdown grab against the Jaguars in joint practice this week.
Franks also has multiple catches in both preseason games so far. Previously, Franks was seen as a special teamer only, but if he actually has some value as a pass-catcher, that will only make him more valuable.
Even before the Waller signing, it seemed like an uphill climb for Franks to make this roster. Sanders, Tommy Tremble , and Mitchell Evans were seen as roster locks, while James Mitchell and Franks were on the bubble. The Waller signing only complicates things.
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However, Franks' emergence could change the math. Sanders offers nothing on special teams, and he's disappointed on offense, so is he really a lock? Franks doesn't have (supposed) upside of Sanders , but I don't think it's a stretch to say he's a more useful player right now.
If Franks continues to impress over the next week, the Panthers are going to have to make a tough decision. Even if the Panthers don't keep Franks, it's clear that he's good enough to be on a roster.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
