James Mitchell: Everything you need to know

Mitchell has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Carolina, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports. Mitchell will continue to provide depth in a tight end room that also houses Ja'Tavion Sanders (lower leg), Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. Across five regular-season games in 2025 he secured all three of his targets for 28 yards.

Mitchell caught all three of his targets for 28 yards across five regular-season games in 2025. The 2022 fifth-round pick from Virginia Tech operated as Carolina's No. 4 tight end and was active primarily when Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle, IR) or Tommy Tremble were sidelined this season. Mitchell contributed both offensively and on special teams during his five appearances, logging 46 offensive snaps and 39 on special teams. He's set to become a restricted free agent following the Panthers' 2025 playoff campaign, but his future with the team remains uncertain, as Sanders, Tremble and rookie Mitchell Evans are all under contract for 2026.

Mitchell (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports. Mitchell will be a healthy inactive for a third consecutive week as the Panthers go with three tight ends on the active roster in Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. Unless one of those three were to be sidelined, Mitchell will likely be a healthy scratch for the Panthers' Week 18 tilt against the Buccaneers.