Wolfe: ‘A lot more big slot’ work for McMillan

Brazzell was initially expected to avoid surgery and instead rehab the “moderate LCL tear in his left knee.” After getting a second opinion, the player and team decided surgery was the “best option” for the rookie’s long-term health. According to Person, Brazzell was expected to challenge WR Xavier Legette for the No. 3 role, while also potentially allowing WR Tetairoa McMillan to line up in the slot more often. The latter storyline is worth tracking. Hopefully, the plan remains in place and Brazzell makes a full recovery ahead of the 2027 season. We expect him to be placed on injured reserve soon.

McMillan was a limited participant in spring practices due to a foot issue. As of June 10th, he was hoping to be ready for training camp. As of yesterday, that was indeed the case, which is great to hear. McMillan, 23, took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last year via a 70/1,014/7 receiving line. He aims to build on that this season, and NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported yesterday that the team hopes to have McMillan run routes from the slot “a lot more” this year.

McMillan has been in and out of practice during OTAs. He told reporters that he feels good now, though that was after missing today’s practice. McMillan played through a foot injury late in the 2025 season. It didn’t cost him any time, but it’s still slightly concerning that the issue hasn’t gone away entirely. As long as McMillan is able to suit up for the start of training camp, fantasy managers should still consider the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year as a high-end WR2.

Per Wolfe, the Panthers have had “a great start” at organized team activities (OTAs), which is somewhat confusing because the Panthers’ first OTA session is scheduled for May 26th. Young is apparently impressing someone on the field somehow, though. Regardless, Wolfe believes the Panthers’ offseason has made them “true contenders” capable of winning 10-12 games. They have won 13 over the past two years. If Young really is stepping up his game, that is good news for WR1 Tetairoa McMillan’s potential second-year leap. He posted a 70/1,014/7 receiving line en route to earning OROY honors last year. Young has a long way to go before we can view him as anything more than a fantasy QB2. Hopefully, the positive reports continue to roll in. If the Panthers really can win double-digit games, Young will ostensibly play a key role in the effort.

McMillan, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, dropped between 10 and 15 pounds during the 2025 season and is working to regain some or all of it before the 2026 regular season. Even if the Panthers use an early round draft pick on a wideout, McMillan will certainly enter the 2026 as Carolina’s No. 1 receiver. Last year he ranked 26th among wideouts in yards per route run, just ahead of Khalil Shakir and Demario Douglas and just behind Romeo Doubs. McMillan ranked 65th out of 110 qualifying receivers in ESPN’s open score, which measures a pass catcher’s separation from defenders.

McMillan caught 70-of-120 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns this season, leading all NFL rookies in the latter two categories. The Panthers’ promising youngster proved himself as an NFL-ready No. 1 wide receiver. He is primed for another big outing in 2026.

McMillan against light Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was an instant smash hit for the Panthers whenever they could manage to create that matchup. The big-bodied receiver won over the middle and had 20 yards after the catch. He’s an interesting receiver heading into his sophomore season — the flashes are obvious and he clearly looks the part of a future Drake London-type. McMillan also failed to really spike a huge target week in Carolina’s low-volume passing attack, managing just four games over nine targets and maxing out at 12. There’s also the (admittedly remote) possibility that Jalen Coker makes a real move on some of his volume after his breakout game in the Wild Card. We’d bet on modest improvements, perhaps enough to hit the WR1 line, in McMillan’s second season.

McMillan should have reached the century mark, but a long connection with Bryce Young was erased by an abhorrent offensive pass interference call. The wideout did bring in a 40-yard pass that set up a touchdown from Young, and he was the best offensive player on the field for Carolina. McMillan has unreal upside and showed out at times in 2025, and very well could be a WR1 in 2026. His season will be over, however, if the Saints beat the Falcons on Sunday.

Fantasy managers who started McMillan in Week 17 are wondering if this could have been brought to Canales’ attention before yesterday’s 1/5 dud. Carolina’s passing game appears to go through fits and starts. McMillan remains a good WR2 bet for those of you playing in Week 18 leagues.

Announced as playing through illness mere hours before kickoff, McMillan proceeded to have his worst game of the season. Even with that excuse, it should be noted that McMillan has now caught more than two passes just once in his past five games. It’s quite possible he’s slamming into the rookie wall as he plays through various injuries. McMillan will undoubtedly post a better Week 18 box score, as the Panthers will be trying to make the playoffs vs. Tampa Bay’s pass-funnel defense.