The Carolina Panthers made a roster adjustment on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, signing tight end Heinrich Haarberg--a player transitioning from quarterback to tight end following his college career at Nebraska--while waiving outside linebacker Jamil Muhammad and running back Montrell Johnson.
These moves continue Carolina's active approach to shaping its 90-man offseason roster as the team prepares for organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp. The Panthers have sought versatile developmental talents, and Haarberg fits that bill as an athlete with intriguing physical traits adapting to a new position.
From Signal-Caller to Pass-Catcher
Heinrich Haarberg, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, came to Nebraska as a dual-threat quarterback. In 2023, he started eight games, throwing for 1,238 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 477 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. However, as Nebraska's quarterback room deepened, his prospects under center grew limited.
Rather than transferring to maintain a quarterback role, Haarberg embraced a switch to tight end during the 2024 campaign. His frame and athleticism made this a sensible transition. With his height and wingspan, Haarberg projects as a receiving threat with the physical capability to develop as a blocker, enhanced by his experience running the ball as a quarterback.
At his Pro Day in early 2026, Haarberg measured 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds and ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash. This size and speed combination is highly valuable for NFL teams scouting tight ends who can contribute immediately on special teams while refining positional skills.
For the Panthers, adding Haarberg represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have displayed a preference for versatile athletes who can fill multiple roles. Haarberg's quarterback background gives him a natural aptitude for understanding coverage concepts, route timing, and defensive reads--intangibles that could accelerate his development at the professional level.
Corresponding Moves: Muhammad and Johnson Waived
To accommodate Haarberg on the roster, the Panthers waived outside linebacker Jamil Muhammad and waived/injured running back Montrell Johnson under an injury settlement.
Muhammad, an undrafted free agent from USC, had been competing for depth at outside linebacker. Standing 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, he showed some pass-rush skills during rookie minicamp but was on the roster bubble amid a crowded defensive front. The Panthers have heavily invested in edge rushers this offseason, notably adding veterans Jaelan Phillips and Princely Umanmielen and second-year Nic Scourton, making competition for those spots intense.
Johnson, who played collegiately at LSU and Ole Miss, joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent this spring. With running backs Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, and veteran AJ Dillon already established on the depth chart, Johnson faced stiff odds to make the 53-man roster. The injury settlement permits the team to free up a roster slot while allowing Johnson to pursue opportunities elsewhere once healthy.
What This Means for the Tight End Room
Carolina's tight end corps already includes several notable players. Tommy Tremble remains the most experienced tight end, while Ja'Tavion Sanders, a 2024 fourth-round pick, offers a dynamic receiving option. The team also retains veteran Feleipe Franks, another former quarterback converted to tight end, known primarily for blocking and special teams duties. Mitchell Evans, a sixth-round draft choice, adds developmental depth.
Haarberg joins this group aiming to carve a role, whether on the practice squad or as a potential fourth tight end on the active roster. His progress will hinge on mastering blocking schemes and precise route running--key factors that separate position converts from NFL-caliber contributors.
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and the Panthers' coaching staff have experience working with hybrid and converted athletes, which bodes well for creatively utilizing Haarberg's unique skill set. Red-zone packages and special teams could offer early opportunities for Haarberg to gain meaningful playing time.
Roster Flexibility Remains a Theme
The Panthers' readiness to make tough roster cuts like waiving Muhammad and Johnson underscores general manager Dan Morgan's thorough approach to building depth. Coming off an improved 2025 season--posting a winning record and competing into January under head coach Dave Canales--the team recognizes every roster spot's value.
Releasing players often reflects positional competition rather than talent deficiencies. The Panthers have upgraded significantly over the past two offseasons, making training camp battles fiercer and the margin for error slimmer.
For Haarberg, the chance is genuine. Carolina has shown commitment to developing players with the right blend of physical traits and work ethic. If he impresses during OTAs and training camp, he could secure a practice squad role or even push for active roster inclusion when the season begins.
The next several weeks will be crucial as OTA practices provide Haarberg and others their first exposure to NFL-level competition. His success in transitioning from quarterback to tight end could add a versatile weapon to the Panthers' offense and special teams units in 2026 and beyond.