With major investments in the defense and back-to-back first-round picks spent on wide receivers, the Carolina Panthers have laid a strong foundation around quarterback Bryce Young. After showing marked improvement in the second half of last season, Young appears ready to take the next step. But as training camp looms, one question remains: is a dynamic tight end the final piece needed to elevate this offense, and its young quarterback?
Wide Receiver Room Trending Up
The Panthers enter camp with a deep, competitive wide receiver group. Headlining the group is rookie Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A polished route runner with contested-catch ability, McMillan has quickly built chemistry with Young and is projected as the team’s WR1. He was briefly sidelined during OTAs as a precaution but is expected to be fully healthy.
Second-year receiver Xavier Legette, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, could benefit significantly from McMillan’s presence. With defenses forced to respect multiple weapons, Legette may thrive in a more complementary role, maximizing his big-play potential.
Veteran Adam Thielen remains a steady contributor and mentor, while David Moore brings familiarity with new offensive coordinator Dave Canales’ system. The addition of veteran Hunter Renfrow following a year away from the game looks like a win for Dan Morgan, as his route running should help the entire group. Sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. flashed before a hamstring issue, and undrafted rookies Kobe Hudson and Jacolby George have impressed during early reps.
The crowded room, with 12 receivers participating in OTAs, is expected to fuel intense competition, which veterans like Thielen believe will raise the standard of the group overall.
Tight End: Potential or Problem?
While the wide receiver room is on the rise, tight end remains a bigger question mark, and arguably a more pressing concern.
Veteran Tommy Tremble underwent back surgery this offseason and will miss OTAs and minicamp. Although he’s expected to return for training camp, his long-term durability is uncertain. Tremble caught 30 passes for 320 yards and 4 touchdowns last year, but the Panthers need more consistent production at the position.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, a promising second-year player, is expected to take a leap. As a rookie in 2024, Sanders recorded 28 receptions for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns, flashing the athleticism and route-running ability that made him a Day 2 draft pick. With Tommy Tremble recovering from back surgery, Sanders has a chance to take on a much larger role and could emerge as a go-to option for Young in the middle of the field and red-zone situations.
New faces have also entered the mix. Mitchell Evans, drafted out of Notre Dame, brings physicality and blocking ability and Dominique Dafney rounds out the group with NFL experience but limited production.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) reacts after making a catch in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) reacts after making a catch in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Conclusion: Time to Invest in Tight End
The Panthers’ wide receiver room is trending in the right direction. With McMillan, Legette, and Thielen leading the way, Bryce Young has a growing arsenal of outside targets. But what he still lacks is a consistent, matchup-creating tight end, a true security blanket over the middle and in the red zone.
As Young enters a pivotal third season, further investment, whether in coaching emphasis, schematic design, or a potential veteran addition at tight end could unlock a more complete and dynamic Carolina offense in 2025.