The Carolina Panthers are working to strengthen their team as they approach the 2025 season, looking to end an eight-year playoff drought. The organization has focused on building a solid receiving group around quarterback Bryce Young, who finished the 2024 season on a positive note.
Through both the draft and free agency, several new wide receivers have joined the roster. Among them is Tetairoa McMillan, chosen eighth overall in this year’s draft, and Hunter Renfrow, who last played in 2023. Jimmy Horn Jr., Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker add depth and experience to the position.
Former Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson spoke about his views on the Panthers’ receivers during an August 13 appearance on “Nightcap” with Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Shannon Sharpe. Johnson said, “I think they have one of the most underrated receiving cores in the NFL, and I’m willing to bet whatever on them this year (…) They’re going to be alright. Jimmy Horn Jr., Thielen, Brother Legette. Come on now.”
Returning veterans like Adam Thielen have established rapport with Bryce Young over time, while recent additions bring new energy and skill sets to the lineup. Xavier Legette remains a promising player after being selected in the first round previously.
Bryce Young has worked during this offseason to strengthen chemistry within his receiving corps. According to Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire, “Young and a handful of the Panthers’ pass catchers linked up in Minnesota this past week to get in some work with Ryan Englebert of ETS Performance (…) The group included wideouts Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Kobe Hudson, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.” This session reflects efforts by both coaching staff and players to prepare for what they hope will be a turning point season.
Tetairoa McMillan commented about working together as a unit: “It’s funny (…) If you really look at our receiver room—we’re so diverse yet we get along very well. It’s a huge testament to everybody’s humility that we have in our group. Nobody’s entitled. At the end of the day, we all wanna see each other succeed. If one person wins, we all win. I’m happy, and I’m proud to be in this receiver room.”
The contributions from new players alongside returning talent provide optimism that if expectations are met or exceeded during 2025 season play, wide receivers will play an important role for Carolina.
