With the trade deadline looming, the Panthers face mounting pressure to bolster a struggling receiving corps and support Bryce Youngs development.
The Carolina Panthers' passing game just hasn’t found its rhythm. Ranked 26th in the league in yards per game, this aerial attack has been a glaring weak point through the early part of the season. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young has shown flashes - the talent is there - but his inconsistent starts have been holding this offense back, particularly in the first halves of games when the Panthers too often stumble out of the gate.
Despite the struggles, there are a few bright spots. Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a reliable target, flashing good route running and hands.
But he's still looking for his first NFL touchdown. Xavier Legette, in his second year, did finally find the end zone in Sunday’s win over Miami, but it's been a rocky road - his first two games this season bordered on unwatchable.
The supporting cast features a mix of youth and veteran presence, but no one has truly stepped up to be the guy. Brycen Tremayne and rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. - who just made his NFL debut - are still easing into their roles, while dependable vet Hunter Renfrow is doing what he can but isn’t a field-tilter at this point in his career.
David Moore, another steady hand, is parked on IR. Simply put, the Panthers could use some help on the outside.
Which brings us to the question: should GM Dan Morgan go shopping for a wide receiver? The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, and if Carolina wants to give Young a fighting chance to develop this season, bringing in a veteran pass-catcher could be the move.
Here are a few players who could make sense - from realistic trade options to potential free-agent flyers - as Carolina looks to spark life into its offense:
Tutu Atwell (Rams)Atwell can bring straight-line speed and big-play potential - just ask the Colts.
His 88-yard touchdown against Indy in Week 4 reminded everyone what he’s capable of in open space. A 2021 second-round pick out of UCLA, Atwell’s only reached the end zone six times in 62 games with the Rams, but the explosiveness is there.
Importantly, there’s some trade familiarity between the Panthers and Rams, so this one isn’t just fantasy talk.
Jahan Dotson (Eagles)Dotson started off his career with some promise in Washington, tallying 84 catches for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns across two years.
Since being traded to Philly, though, he’s struggled to carve out a role - just 25 receptions over 22 regular-season games. Still, he’s a young former first-rounder who could benefit from a fresh start.
And if there’s one GM who doesn’t blink at trade talks, it’s Howie Roseman. If Carolina picks up the phone, there could be something there.
Jakobi Meyers (Raiders)Meyers might be the most productive wide receiver floating around the rumor mill.
Since joining the Raiders in 2023, he’s picked up 14 touchdown receptions, more than the 8 he posted in three years with the Patriots. He offers size, savvy, and dependability - three things the Panthers’ receiving corps could use in a hurry.
Meyers is also in a contract year, which could make him more available if Vegas decides it’s time to deal.
Nelson AgholorA verified NFL journeyman with stops in Philly, Oakland, New England, and Baltimore, Agholor is still floating in the free-agent waters after last playing in 2024 with the Ravens.
He brings over 4,800 career yards, 37 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl ring from the Eagles’ 2017 title run. While he's not a WR1 anymore, his ability to step in and run a pro route tree could make him a stabilizing depth option.
Tyler Boyd (Titans)Boyd was one of the last notable free agents to land this past offseason, signing with Tennessee after eight strong years in Cincinnati.
A key piece of that Bengals offense - and a participant in Super Bowl LIV - Boyd racked up over 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in his Cincy tenure. At this stage, he’s reliable underneath, can still work the middle of the field, and would give Young a trustworthy third-down option.
Mecole HardmanSpeed.
Experience. Hardware.
Hardman checks all the boxes for a team looking to shake things up on offense. A former second-round pick with three Super Bowl rings from his time in Kansas City, Hardman came up clutch in last season’s championship, catching the game-winner in overtime against the 49ers.
He knows what it takes to win, and more importantly, how to stay cool under pressure. That’s the kind of presence a young quarterback like Bryce Young could lean on.
Bottom line: Carolina has young potential all over its roster, especially at the skill positions - but potential won’t win games in this league. With the trade deadline coming fast and the passing offense stuck near the bottom of the NFL, it might be time for the front office to make a move.
Whether it's trading for a proven weapon or grabbing a veteran off the street, the Panthers need to inject life into this passing game. Because if Bryce Young is going to take the next step, he’ll need more than just flashes - he needs help.
