Despite a solid performance in the Hall of Fame matchup, the latest Carolina Panthers rumors are heating around wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. ahead of Week 1. According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, Horn could be moved, and he compared him to former Houston Texan John Metchie. The Panthers signed Metchie to a one-year deal earlier this offseason to address its pass-catching woes before selecting third-round pick Chris Brazzell. Unfortunately, Brazzell will miss the upcoming campaign, but Moton believes Metchie could be the winner of the receiving battle:
“Listed at 5’8″, 174 pounds on the team’s official website, Horn doesn’t have the size to move outside, but Metchie can also make plays on the perimeter,” he said. “Still only 26, Metchie has some upside and started to show his potential in the second half of the previous season with the New York Jets. He could surpass Horn for the backup slot receiver position, which is notable given Coker’s recent injury history.”
Panthers Rumors
Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands the ball off to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
Panthers Rumors: Carolina Urged to Cut Top WR Before Week 1
What to Decipher
While Metchie has more experience, the former 2025 draft selection hasn’t had enough time to prove himself. Last season, the receiver finished his rookie year with 11 receptions for 108 receiving yards. While it’s not the most impressive campaign, he did battle for snaps behind Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette, who are locked in as the starting three this upcoming season. In the Hall of Fame matchup, the 23-year-old led the team in yards and showed he could be a long-term offensive threat.
Meanwhile, the Panthers just signed Metchie. Carolina is exploring who could make the roster, including David Moore and Brycen Treymayne.
The Final Call
It will have to be after the NFL preseason. If anything, the Panthers could release Horn but sign him to their practice squad. However, it could be a mistake, given that other teams may claim him off waivers. This doesn’t mean that Metchie would be the ultimate winner.
After all, Legette is still on the hot seat. The Panthers’ priorities could change quickly, especially QB Bryce Young’s performance in the upcoming season.
Best Landing Spots for the former 2025 draft pick if available on waivers (click next pages).