The Carolina Panthers roster, as a whole, needs a lot of work. Up until that final stretch of 2024, that list could have included a quarterback. But thanks to some strong play to close out the year, Bryce Young has extended his leash for one more season, at least. However, for a real chance at success, he’s going to need the right weapons.
As currently constructed, it is hard to imagine Carolina being good on either end, unless Young takes another leap offensively. But for the franchise’s future, surrounding him with a strong supporting cast is necessary, especially as Adam Thielen’s retirement draws closer every year. As a result, one analyst has a replacement in mind.
Can the Carolina Panthers Replace Adam Thielen?
An 11-year veteran in the league, Thielen came to the NFL as an undrafted free agent before carving out a niche for himself. He joined the Panthers back in 2023 alongside Young, as the franchise viewed him as a safety net for their first overall pick.
Even though Young didn’t live up to the moniker, Thielen registered a 1,000-yard season. However, at 34, injuries started to creep up in the 2024 season, with a hamstring injury limiting his production to just 615 yards and five touchdowns.
In the final year of his deal, there is a chance Thielen will call it quits this season, citing family and age as prominent reasons for the potential decision in an exclusive interview with PFSN. The mantle is likely to fall to 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan, but the Panthers are going to need more than that.
As a result, Max Dorsey, in his latest mock draft for PFSN, has Carolina adding another rookie wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft in the third round. With no other pass catcher crossing the 500-yard mark in 2024, it might be a necessity for the franchise.
After replacing Brian Burns in the first round with T.J. Parker and strengthening the offensive line, Dorsey believes the Panthers can take a shot at Evan Stewart out of Oregon. After spending his first two seasons at Texas A&M, Stewart made the switch to the Ducks last year.
However, his production remained largely the same, as he hovered around the 600-yard mark, albeit with a career-high five touchdowns, which was nearly equal to his combined total of six from his stint with the Aggies.
Breaking News
Oregon Star WR Evan Stewart tore his patellar tendon and will miss the entire 2025-2026 season 💔
Stewart has battled with Injuries time and time again. While at Texas A&M and Oregon.
Was also heading into his “draft year” but that will have to wait. pic.twitter.com/JDpruPC8xg
— CFB Headlines (@CFBHeadlines) June 6, 2025
A torn patellar tendon has put his future in question. But if he can make a recovery in time, there is a chance Carolina takes a swing at him in the third round and gives Young two wide receivers on rookie-scale contracts.
McMillan has the potential to be a true superstar in the league right from the jump. But replacing Thielen is going to be some big shoes to fill for Stewart. So far, he’s shown his effectiveness in flashes, but after returning from injury, 2025 might be his ultimate proving ground.