After nearly two years, the Carolina Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young finally showed signs of life at the end of the 2024 season. During the final three games of the year, Young came alive and looked as consistently comfortable as he has looked since joining the league as the first overall pick in 2023. As a result, the team had a clear incentive to build the roster around Young to provide him with more weapons.
Spending a first-round pick on Tetairoa McMillan was a clear move in that direction. After last year’s dismal receiving crew, an improvement to Young’s supporting cast was a necessity. McMillan, seen far and away as a top-three receiver in the draft, found his way to the eighth overall pick. However, as their preseason slate gets underway, are the Carolina faithful going to get their first taste of the rookie against the Cleveland Browns?
Will Tetairoa McMillan Debut in the Preseason for the Carolina Panthers?
A year-three improvement from their quarterback could give the Panthers worthwhile value on their pick, while also cementing the future of the franchise. Adding a good rotation of running backs was step one, but the Panthers also added two rookie wide receivers.
The first of those selections was McMillan. A three-year veteran out of Arizona, he grew steadily better as his production continued to improve. Over three years, he set the school record for most yards with 3,423, while adding 26 touchdowns as well.
Immediately, he comes in as the potential WR1 who could form a long-term connection with their quarterback. And it shouldn’t take long for the fans to see what their rookie is capable of.
During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show, head coach Dave Canales confirmed, “My plan is to play a series or two with the starters for the first two preseason games. So, I’m excited to get them out there.”
Dave Canales confirms we’ll see the starters in the Panthers first two preseason games 👀@heykayadams | @Panthers #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/RyP1NNzHBa
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 1, 2025
For him, the gameday experience could be valuable for the youngsters joining the team, as well as the starters as a whole, getting to experience the moment together.
What’s At Stake for McMillan?
Last year, not a single wide receiver tallied more than 500 yards for Carolina outside of veteran Adam Thielen. However, the 34-year-old has a lot of mileage on his legs and was only able to suit up for 10 games in 2024.
It isn’t long before his production takes a dip. However, he was on another 1,000-yard season pace after recording 1,014 yards in 2023. The hamstring injury that led to the veteran wide receiver missing seven games last year might be the start of a decrease in production for Thielen.
With retirement potentially on the cards after this year, McMillan has the opportunity to seize a massive opportunity with both hands. He could realistically be WR1 starting Week 1. However, an impressive performance in the preseason could make that possibility a reality.
As the wide receiver of the future for Carolina, Canales would like to start building that connection between McMillan and Young immediately. A first test against the terrifying Browns defense, even in preseason form, might be the ideal way to get them in sync.
