Cade Prieskorn

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Carolina Panthers — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. Cade's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL TEs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $885K average annual value ranks as minimum-level money for the TE market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — unproven production at minimum-level money, which is essentially paying fair market value. Cade is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The 1-year, $885K deal keeps the commitment short, giving the team financial flexibility to move on if performance drops.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Cade's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance AnalysisPre-Debut

Cade Prieskorn has not appeared in an NFL regular season game.

Fan Sentiment

Cade Prieskorn carries a C- sentiment grade right now, with the conversation around his Pro Bowl-caliber moments shaping the narrative. The prevailing media take frames this signing as a modest depth addition with minimal immediate impact expectations—a camp body and contingency measure rather than a cornerstone piece for Carolina's tight end room. Prieskorn's limited proven production at the position and prior Broncos experience underscore why fans view this as a low-risk, low-reward transaction; he's not expected to move the needle in the present. The Panthers' recent activity—releasing TE Bryce Pierre last month while adding depth pieces like UDFA Malick Meiga and signing Brady Christensen to an extension—paints a picture of methodical roster construction through evaluation camps, with five tryout candidates in the fold suggesting the organization is taking a patient, depth-focused approach rather than banking on any single prospect. Prieskorn's narrative sits squarely in backup/practice-squad territory heading into training camp, a reflection of realistic expectations around a former NFL depth piece who is being asked to prove he belongs.