Panthers sign UDFA TE Heinrich Haarberg, add Taysom Hill-esque skills

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Panthers sign UDFA TE Heinrich Haarberg, add Taysom Hill-esque skills originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales continues investigating ways to add unique schemes for new playcaller Brad Idzik to utilize next season.

Among his first moves following the NFL Draft in April, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan signed gritty quarterback Haynes King for a $250,000 guaranteed contract. The former Georgia Tech standout developed a reputation for his tough running style.

Team insiders immediately pointed to New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill as the type of player King could develop into. Following a rookie minicamp practice on May 9, King said: "At the end of the day, everybody wants to play."

But his primary focus is to earn the No. 3 quarterback job, behind starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett.

Doubling down on trying to help the Panthers improve their short-yardage production, Morgan reached an agreement on a UDFA deal with former Nebraska tight end Heinrich Haarberg, a former starting quarterback.

Panthers sign Heinrich Haarberg, add versatility to 91-man roster​

Listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Haarberg posted 12 career catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. As the primary signal caller in 2023, Haarberg went 5-3 for the Big Ten program.

The Panthers, who avoid calling quarterback sneaks for the 5-10 Young and don't employ a version of the "Tush Push," ranked No. 25 in third-down conversions last season, converting 36.1 percent. The Saints often use Hill as a short-yardage specialist, able to run over defenders and get open in the flat for screen passes.

Haarberg could earn a similar role with the Panthers.

Morgan did not sign a veteran tight end during free agency or add to the room via the NFL Draft in April, electing to go with the top three players from last season, Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans.

Haarberg's signing could be another sign of the organization's confidence that the power trio will enhance its production in 2026.

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