James Mitchell

Carolina Panthers
Tight End #82

James Mitchell News

James Mitchell Returns to Panthers on One-Year Deal

The Carolina Panthers re-signed tight end James Mitchell to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, a league source told Joseph Person of The Athletic. Mitchell was a restricted free agent. Mitchell will return to Carolina for a second season in 2026 after catching all three of his targets for 28 yards in just five games played a year ago. The 26-year-old was drafted in the fifth round (177th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. In his first three years in the league in Detroit, Mitchell had 13 receptions on 13 targets for 141 yards and one touchdown in 29 games played (one start). He is not anywhere close to fantasy relevance in Carolina and will serve in a depth role at TE once again behind the likes of Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, and Mitchell Evans.

Mar 11, 2026 9:28 AM EST

James Mitchell has Opportunity in Carolina

Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell has an opportunity to make some noise with Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Tommy Tremble will move to the top of the Panthers' TE depth chart with Sanders injured, but he's more of a blocker than a pass-catcher, so Mitchell might have a chance to make some noise going forward in his first year in Carolina. The 26-year-old former fifth-round selection (177th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech has caught all 13 of his targets for 141 yards and one touchdown in 30 games played (one start) in his three NFL seasons with the Lions before joining the Panthers on a reserve/futures contract back in January. Mitchell is only worth a look on the waiver wire in the deepest of fantasy leagues at the moment.

Sep 24, 2025 6:20 PM EST

Panthers Sign James Mitchell, Boogie Basham To Futures Deals

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.

Jan 21, 2025 10:17 PM EST

James Mitchell Won't Play Versus Rams

Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (hand) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell was limited in practice on Thursday, but ended up missing Friday's session. The Lions have decided to rule him out for this contest, which normally doesn't mean too much. However, Sam LaPorta (knee) has been banged up, but he was able to get through a full practice on Friday. Fellow tight end Brock Wright appears ready to play, so the absence of Mitchell won't make much of an impact.

Jan 12, 2024 9:37 PM EST

Seems like 'roster lock'

Mitchell seems like a lock to make the roster, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Jul 20, 2023 6:47 AM EST

Records reception in season finale

Mitchell played 10 of the Lions' 60 snaps on offense and recorded a seven-yard reception in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Packers.

Jan 12, 2023 9:45 AM EST

No looks during offensive explosion

Mitchell did not see any targets in the passing game during Sunday's 41-14 win over the Jaguars.

Dec 5, 2022 2:33 PM EST

Makes play on Thanksgiving

Mitchell caught one pass on one target for 22 yards during Thursday's loss to the Bills.

Nov 25, 2022 10:44 AM EST

Remaining in small role

Mitchell was not targeted with a pass during Sunday's 31-18 win over the Giants.

Nov 21, 2022 4:18 PM EST

One catch against Bears

Mitchell secured his only target for four yards during Sunday's 31-30 win over the Bears.

Nov 15, 2022 4:51 PM EST

First career touchdown

Mitchell caught two of two targets for eight yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 15-9 win over the Packers.

Nov 7, 2022 11:44 AM EST

Looking at increased opportunities

Mitchell looks set for increased playing time in the wake of Detroit trading top tight end T.J. Hockenson being traded to the Vikings on Tuesday, Alec Lewis and Colton Pouncy of The Athletic report.

Nov 2, 2022 7:32 AM EST