Carolina’s preseason finale left the Panthers with a crowded wide receiver room and a clear emphasis on special teams for roster decisions. After a 19-10 loss to Pittsburgh, coach Dave Canales signaled that the final 53 will hinge on what players bring value on kick and punt teams, not just on-field production. The group features two high-upside rookies in Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, veteran anchor Adam Thielen, and WarDavis-level depth with Jalen Coker, David Moore, Hunter Renfrow, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Brycen Tremayne, all fighting for two to four spots. The Panthers could push seven receivers if special teams prowess is there, with McMillan, Legette, Thielen, and Coker seen as the most secure, while the rest battle for the last few jobs.

In fantasy terms, McMillan and Legette are the intriguing long shots who could carve early roles if they seize special-teams duties or emerge as timely beneficiaries of Thielen’s health. Thielen and Renfrow provide steady floor, with Thielen likely to anchor the slot and Legette offering big-play upside. Horn Jr. and Tremayne bring developmental upside, while Moore and Coker add veteran reliability and return capabilities that could swing a few weeks early in the season. Carolina’s fall decisions will shape who steps up behind Thielen and McMillan, especially if injuries or suspensions hit the WR room.

As cuts loom, fantasy players should monitor how Canales uses the return game and special-teams units to separate the final WR spots. Seven WRs would create broader depth but press the limits of fantasy value unless one or two youngsters emerge as weekly contributors. The Panthers’ WR picture remains fluid, but the combination of rookie upside and veteran steadiness offers intriguing late-round targets and potential breakout candidates in deeper leagues.