Breaking: Carolina Panthers Sign Clemson TE Jake Briningstool to a 2-Year Deal

The Carolina Panthers have officially signed Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool to a two-year deal, marking a significant addition to their roster as they continue to bolster their offense ahead of the 2025 season. Briningstool, known for his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills, will now join a Panthers offense that is focused on making a push for greater efficiency and production in the passing game.

This move has not only sent waves of excitement throughout the Panthers’ fan base but also raised questions about the team’s future offensive plans. With Briningstool on board, Carolina aims to solidify its tight end position, an area that has shown some inconsistency in recent years. His signing comes at a critical time as the Panthers look to build around their young quarterback and create a dynamic offense capable of competing in the competitive NFC South.

Jake Briningstool, a 6’6″ 245-pound tight end, entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a reputation for being one of the most versatile and dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the country. Over his career at Clemson, Briningstool racked up impressive statistics, showcasing his ability to contribute as both a blocker and a dynamic receiving threat.

In his final season at Clemson, Briningstool caught 53 passes for 672 yards and 6 touchdowns, numbers that underscore his ability to stretch the field and provide mismatches for opposing defenses. His size and athleticism make him an ideal red zone target, and his proficiency at running routes has earned him comparisons to some of the top tight ends in the NFL.

Briningstool’s skill set fits perfectly into the modern NFL offense, which increasingly relies on tight ends to serve as dual-threat weapons. In Carolina, he will likely be expected to contribute both in the passing game and as a blocker in the run game. His ability to create separation and work the middle of the field should open up opportunities for the Panthers’ wide receivers and help free up space for the running backs.

The Panthers’ decision to bring in Briningstool is part of a broader strategy to improve their offensive depth. Tight end has been a position of need for Carolina in recent seasons. While they have had capable players at the position, none have consistently emerged as top-tier threats. This is where Briningstool can make an immediate impact.

Carolina’s head coach, Frank Reich, has long been known for utilizing tight ends effectively in his offensive system. From his time in Indianapolis to his work with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reich has shown that he values tight ends as essential components of his offensive attack. With Briningstool, Reich has the potential to create a potent two-tight end set alongside the team’s existing offensive weapons, including wide receiver DJ Moore and the Panthers’ promising running back corps.

The addition of Briningstool also helps give the Panthers a balanced approach to their offense. In the past, their passing game has often been one-dimensional, with much of the focus placed on the wide receivers. With a talented tight end like Briningstool in the fold, Carolina now has a player capable of attacking defenses in a variety of ways. Whether it’s catching short passes over the middle, running intermediate routes, or even making plays in the red zone, Briningstool’s presence could be a game-changer for the Panthers.

A major subplot of this signing is its potential impact on the Panthers’ quarterback situation. Carolina’s quarterback room is currently led by rookie Bryce Young, who is entering his first season as the starting quarterback. The Panthers are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and a key component of that rebuilding effort is Young’s development as a franchise signal caller.

Adding a playmaking tight end like Briningstool should help ease Young’s transition into the NFL. The presence of a reliable target at tight end will allow Young to make quick, safe throws to move the chains and gain confidence as he adapts to the speed of the NFL game. Tight ends have historically been a quarterback’s best friend, especially for young signal callers, as they provide a reliable safety valve when under pressure.

For Young, having Briningstool as a target could help him establish rhythm early in games and take some pressure off the Panthers’ offensive line. With the tight end being an important piece of the offensive puzzle, Briningstool can potentially be a frequent option for Young in both the short and intermediate passing game.

Additionally, Briningstool’s red zone threat could help Young accumulate touchdown passes, which will be vital in the early stages of his career as he adjusts to the challenges of playing against NFL defenses. Having Briningstool as a go-to target will give Young more weapons to utilize, which could accelerate his growth as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Tight ends have become an increasingly important position in the modern NFL, with more teams recognizing the value of having a versatile player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Briningstool is part of a new wave of tight ends who are more than just blockers—they are athletic, dynamic playmakers who can line up in various positions and create mismatches against defenders.

Over the past decade, tight ends like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews have redefined the role, showing how a tight end can be one of the most dangerous weapons on the field. Briningstool, while still early in his career, possesses the traits that make him a future star at the position. His ability to contribute both in the passing game and in the run game makes him an ideal fit for the modern NFL offense, where versatility is key.

The Panthers’ signing of Briningstool is an indication that they are embracing this trend and are committed to developing a well-rounded offensive attack. With more teams investing in athletic tight ends, Carolina is positioning itself to keep pace with the rest of the league.

The signing of Jake Briningstool also has implications for the Panthers’ draft strategy moving forward. While the team may have considered adding a tight end early in the 2025 NFL Draft, this move likely takes that need off the table. With Briningstool now in the fold, the Panthers can focus on other areas of need, such as improving their offensive line or adding more weapons at wide receiver.

For the Panthers’ front office, this is a smart use of resources. Instead of spending an early draft pick on a tight end, they’ve addressed the position by signing a proven college talent with the potential to make an immediate impact. This allows them to remain flexible in the draft and focus on acquiring players who can help strengthen other areas of their roster.

As Briningstool transitions to the NFL, he will undoubtedly face challenges as he adapts to the faster, more complex professional game. However, his skill set and work ethic suggest that he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Panthers in the coming seasons.

Throughout his time at Clemson, Briningstool was known for his reliability and ability to make plays when his team needed him most. Whether it was converting a critical third down or making a spectacular catch in the end zone, Briningstool proved time and again that he can rise to the occasion. As he enters the NFL, those same qualities will be vital for his success.

Briningstool’s development will be something to watch closely, as the Panthers look to him to become a key piece of their offensive puzzle. With the guidance of Frank Reich and the support of his new teammates, Briningstool has the opportunity to become one of the top tight ends in the league.

The signing of Jake Briningstool to a two-year deal is a significant move for the Carolina Panthers as they continue their rebuilding efforts and aim to compete in the NFC South. With his combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability, Briningstool has the potential to become a key part of the Panthers’ offense for years to come.

As Carolina focuses on developing its young quarterback and building a more dynamic offense, Briningstool’s addition is a step in the right direction. His versatility, reliability, and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for the modern NFL, and he could become one of the league’s top tight ends as his career progresses.

For the Panthers, the future looks promising with Briningstool now in the fold. If all goes according to plan, he could help lead the team to new heights and become an integral part of their offensive success in the 2025 season and beyond.