The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a remake in their receiving corps. They have only recently traded their last remaining veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings. This development marks a pivotal moment for quarterback Bryce Young, who must now navigate his second NFL season without the experienced presence of Thielen. The Panthers received a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick as part of the deal, signaling a new direction for the team’s offense.
At 35 years of age, Thielen wasn’t a burner, but he was a great safety valve for young QBs in their rookie season. Even with Young’s poor 2-14 record and getting benched after starting 0-2, Thielen was a fantasy force. Thielen’s contract is up after the 2025 season. The Panthers have made significant investments in younger talent, which can and should completely reshape their offensive strategy going forward.
Young now heads up an exciting receiving core. It has Tetairoa McMillan, another highly skilled player barely 22 years old when acquired, and Xavier Legette, who was already 24 when selected with a first rounder in 2024. Both players figure to have critical roles in the upcoming general game. Naturally, Young wants to develop some chemistry with those guys. Early signs give one the impression that Young and McMillan have already formed an impressive bond since being drafted onto the team.
The Panthers have David Moore in the mix. At 30 years old, he’s a grizzled vet receiver who helps provide the dangerous core of talent, great experience, and leadership to the unit. The recent release of Hunter Renfrow, a 2021 Pro Bowl selection, raises questions about his future with the team. Renfrow is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While he would be an obvious candidate for the practice squad, Bell could be a real wild card in the receiving room.
Young expressed confidence in his current receiving corps, stating, “I couldn’t ask for a better receiver to come into the league with.” This comment, of course, highlights his positive thoughts about dealing with the new, youthful talents he now has on the roster.
The receiving corps is further buoyed by Jimmy Horn Jr., a rookie sixth-round pick from Colorado. Horn ran an impressive 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine, showcasing his speed and potential impact on the field. His addition would provide even more depth to an evolving offensive strategy with a focus on positionless basketball.
On the offensive side, Brycen Tremayne is a name to look for after he has become one of the surprise players to contribute inside a talented receiving room. Although information on Tremayne’s game-winning work is scarce so far, as the season pushes on, he should continue to be crucial.
As Young transitions into this new phase without Thielen, he will rely heavily on his developing connections with McMillan and other younger receivers. The Panthers’ coaching staff is optimistic that the combination of fresh talent and Young’s growth will lead to improved performances on the field.
With Thielen gone, everything changes with the receiver corps. It further demonstrates the Panthers’ commitment to growing players from within. The franchise is committing to long-term development rather than pursuing short-term, high-profile wins. After signing the fullback, they released longtime franchise receiver Thielen, who was a key figure in guiding Young through his rookie season.
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