2026 should prove to be an important year for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young—one way or another. So, who he’s throwing the ball to and how well they’re catching it will be quite consequential for the former No. 1 overall pick and the franchise.
ESPN’s NFL Nation staff 2026-nfl-minicamps-otas-teams-rookies-qbs-veterans-watching" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">recently named one key storyline for each team at this point in the offseason. For the Panthers, who are set to begin their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, the outlook of Young’s weapons is something to keep an eye on:
Carolina hopes a healthy and developing group of playmakers will help its quarterback take another step forward in 2026. ACL injuries have limited RB Jonathon Brooks to three games in two NFL seasons, but he is expected to take part in minicamp.
At receiver, 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan has been sidelined with a foot injury, opening more OTA touches for 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette, who has struggled in two seasons. And don’t forget about Jalen Coker, who had some impressive games in the second half of 2025.
Carolina hopes a healthy and developing group of playmakers will help its quarterback take another step forward in 2026. ACL injuries have limited RB Jonathon Brooks to three games in two NFL seasons, but he is expected to take part in minicamp.
At receiver, 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan has been sidelined with a foot injury, opening more OTA touches for 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette, who has struggled in two seasons. And don’t forget about Jalen Coker, who had some impressive games in the second half of 2025.
McMillan saw 122 targets last year, 58 more than any other player on the roster. Despite a relatively low catch rate, he put those opportunities to good use—totaling 70 catches, 55 first downs, 269 yards after the catch, 1,014 yards total and seven touchdowns.
However, McMillan could begin minicamp on the sidelines due to what head coach Dave Canales is describing as a minor foot injury.
“He had some foot soreness,” Canales told reporters at organized team activities on May 26. “It wasn’t anything alarming. But again, at this point, we don’t want things to kind of build up and turn into some type of nagging, chronic type of deal.”
McMillan’s possible absence could offer an opportunity for Carolina’s other wide receivers to develop a better chemistry with Young. Jalen Coker is the next man up in this department, but 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette and rookie Chris Brazzell II are likely to benefit from some more looks.
Finding another reliable receiver that Young can trust, especially on third down, should be among the most important items for offensive coordinator and first-time play caller Brad Idzik this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 minicamp: Opportunity at WR among top storylines
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