Carolina traded Adam Thielen to Minnesota, opening slot opportunities for Jalen Coker. Coker’s rookie slot share (about 61% on the field) gives him a clear path to reps, while Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette provide promising, unproven depth behind him. Dan Morgan left the door open for a Hunter Renfrow reunion, adding veteran slot experience as the team leans into a young, developing WR corps ahead of Week 1.

Thielen called the deal a big loss, but the Panthers stress growth from a younger group. With Week 1 approaching, Carolina must quickly translate potential into production, relying on young pass-catchers to shoulder more of the receiver workload and shape fantasy outcomes this season.