Mitchell Evans: Everything you need to know

Evans caught 19 of 25 targets for 171 yards and two touchdowns and rushed once for one yard across 17 regular-season games in 2025. Despite opening the season as the Panthers' No. 3 tight end, Evans started 10 games and played 391 offensive snaps during his rookie campaign, largely due to Carolina's frequent use of two- and three-tight-end sets. The 2025 fifth-round pick from Notre Dame was used primarily as a blocker but also held his own as a receiver, averaging 9.0 yards per reception. With Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle, IR) out for Carolina's 2025 playoff run, Evans is set to operate as the team's top backup behind Tommy Tremble. Even with Tremble and Sanders under contract for 2026 season, Evans will likely be more involved in the Panthers' offensive game plan.

Evans caught one of two targets for five yards and rushed once for one yard during Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks. Evans led the Panthers' tight end room in targets for the second consecutive game during Sunday's loss, but it didn't translate to production. The rookie from Notre Dame has now caught 18 of 23 targets for 166 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in all 16 of Carolina's games this season. He could be in line for more receiving work in the Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers with Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Evans caught all three of his targets for 23 yards during Sunday's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers. The rookie from Notre Dame paced the Panthers' tight-end corps in receptions, targets and yards during Sunday's divisional win. He's been an important part of Carolina's offense as both a blocker and receiver this season, appearing in all 15 games and catching 17 of 21 targets for 161 yards and two touchdowns. His role may continue to grow in the Panthers' Week 17 matchup against the Seahawks.