Bryce Young and Friends

(Image via Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports)

By: Lucas Kochevar

The late surge from Bryce Young and the Panthers was a pleasant surprise for David Tepper. They looked like they were going to have an egg on their faces but the way Young played down the stretch was very encouraging to the Panthers faithful and they don’t have to worry about that position until the games start. The way forward for his continued success will depend heavily on the guys he’s throwing to and he has a really solid group. 

The guys they have for continuity's sake are Adam Thielen and Xavier Leggette. Thielen is providing steady production for the Panthers as a veteran presence. He only played ten games in 2024, but still put up 615 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s slowing down, but that’s where the Panthers will be relying on Legette to step up. The last pick of the 2024 first round saw some ups and downs but flashed in select moments for the Panthers. 

The biggest addition to their receiving room is their first round pick Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. McMillan was one of the more interesting names throughout the draft process. There were some that had him as a top five talent and then some had him as a big time bust. The Arizona product finds himself heading to Carolina with a great opportunity to learn from Thielen. He’s able to really absorb from a guy that has a very similar style as him. Jimmy Horn Jr. and Jalen Coker are two other young names that could step up to provide support similar to McMillan.

An intriguing guy that’s being added to the mix in Carolina is Hunter Renfrow. The former pro bowler is coming out of retirement after a year off to help the Panthers and jumpstart his career. He put up over 1,000 yards in 2021 and saw a strange fall off with a role change and got lost in the mix of the Vegas offense. Now, Renfrow looks to revive his career and could be an elite slot guy in the Panthers offense.

These names are all crucial pieces to what the Panthers want to do on offense, but it all starts with Young. Every team runs as far as their quarterback will take them and the Panthers are the prime case of that with Young. There is a massive potential variance in what can happen with Young this season and the Panthers will be praying for him to continue his success.