Seven Wideouts? Breaking Down the Panthers' WR Depth and Roster Decisions

Seven Wideouts? Breaking Down the Panthers' WR Depth and Roster Decisions originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Entering the 2025 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have made it clear: they’re committed to surrounding quarterback Bryce Young with the offensive weapons needed to maximize his potential. After a difficult rookie season in 2023, where DJ Chark was his de facto WR1, the organization has taken a much more aggressive approach to building a capable and dynamic receiving corps. That effort is now coming to a head—with so much talent in the room, the Panthers may be forced to carry seven wide receivers on the final 53-man roster.

A Crowded Room: How the Panthers Got to Seven Wide Receivers

This offseason, Carolina added three key pieces: veteran slot receiver Hunter Renfrow and two rookies from the NFL Draft—first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan and fourth-rounder Jimmy Horn Jr. These additions come after Bryce Young’s breakout second half in 2024, which was largely fueled by the emergence of first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted surprise Jalen Coker. While Legette’s offseason surgery raised concerns about his availability, the team’s investment in McMillan reflects a push to solidify the WR1 position—reportedly with Young’s input.

McMillan (6'4", 219 lbs) has been turning heads in camp with his physicality, ball-tracking, and maturity. Head coach Dave Canales noted McMillan's resilience and character, saying, “He’s teaching me stuff about him that I don't know, just looking at his character.”

Veteran Hunter Renfrow, meanwhile, has been held back with a minor hamstring tweak, but coaches are impressed with his route precision and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. His experience should make him a reliable third-down option for Young.

Jimmy Horn Jr. is also flashing in practice with his explosiveness and special teams value. Canales compared his energy to Deven Thompkins, praising Horn’s relentless motor on every rep.

Training Camp Standouts and Roster Pressure: Who’s Rising, Who’s at Risk?

Then there’s Adam Thielen, the veteran leader who led the team in receptions last season. While no longer a top option, Thielen continues to be a model of consistency in camp and a trusted voice in the locker room. He’s shown reliable hands and sharp routes—especially in red zone drills.

David Moore, a familiar face from Canales’ time in Seattle, has been solid but unspectacular. While he brings physicality and versatility, Moore has been outshined by younger talent and may be a roster casualty unless he can contribute significantly on special teams.

Final WR Outlook

If Carolina carries seven wide receivers into Week 1, the likely group looks like this:

• Tetairoa McMillan
  
• Xavier Legette
  
• Hunter Renfrow
  
• Jimmy Horn Jr.
  
• Jalen Coker
  
• Adam Thielen
  
• David Moore(Practice Squad Candidate)
  

Given his leadership and reliability, Thielen remains valuable in a mentorship role and as a situational weapon. That could push David Moore off the final 53-man roster and onto the practice squad. A surprise trade involving Thielen isn’t off the table, but unless it materializes, he’s expected to stay—leaving Moore on the outside looking in.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.