TE Ja'Tavion Sanders' time with Panthers could be running out

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders could be running out of time.

In his third NFL season, Sanders has yet to display a consistent ability to create matchup problems for quarterback Bryce Young. And when opportunities developed, the 2024 fourth-round draft pick rarely delivered.

In 29 career games, Sanders collected 62 catches on 77 targets for 532 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, he registered just 190 receiving yards, averaging just 6.6 yards per catch. His longest reception was 18 yards.

Only 23 years old, Sanders, who overcame offseason injury concerns, could become a cutdown day casualty next Sunday.

Panthers' Ja'Tavion Sanders may be NFL cutdown day candidate

During last Friday's 34-17 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on Friday night, Sanders caught one pass for six yards. 

The Panthers seek star power in the tight end room, signing Darren Waller on Aug. 17. The former Pro Bowler is expected to assume the TE1 role from Tommy Tremble before the start of the regular season. 

It will be curious to see if Waller takes any snaps during Friday's preseason finale against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. The nine-year pro will likely be active on Wednesday when the teams stage a joint practice.

Behind Tremble, sophomore Mitchell Evans continues to establish himself as a reliable blocker and receiver and special teams ace Feliepe Franks, who has executed several splash plays during training camp.

Is there room for Sanders? 

MORE: Ja'Tavion Sanders, Panthers' tight ends seek more production

Panthers icon Greg Olson remains the last franchise tight end to eclipse the 500-yard milestone. General manager Dan Morgan, orchestrating his first draft, landed the 6-foot-4, 252-pound Sanders to create matchup concerns with opposing secondaries.

With his size and athleticism, Sanders has been deployed along the line and in the slot during Red Zone situations. As a rookie, he caught six passes of at least 20 yards, including a 46-yarder. Last season, he had none.

Is Sanders' time with the Panthers running out?

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