Tetairoa McMillan made his professional debut on Thursday and the Carolina Panthers’ rookie wideout didn’t disappoint. After turning heads in OTAs, McMillan looked dominant against the Cleveland Browns in his first NFL preseason game.

McMillan fired up the fanbase with a terrific grab to open the Panthers’ second series Thursday. Third-year quarterback Bryce Young hit the big receiver for a 30-yard gain. The duo connected on a deep shot as Young lobbed a sweet pass down the sideline. McMillan showed excellent awareness, locating the ball over his shoulder and getting both feet inbounds while making the catch.

Panthers fans welcome Tetairoa McMillan to the team

Jul 26, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) makes a catch during training camp.
Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Panthers are hoping to improve after posting their seventh straight losing season in 2024. Young was benched after a poor start as the team turned to Andy Dalton. However, when he got a second chance to run the offense, Young impressed head coach Dave Canales.

Carolina selected Young first overall in the 2023 draft. But the team began to wonder if he would be part of its future after a rough rookie season. With Young bouncing back in 2024 and establishing himself as the QB1, Carolina went out and got him a weapon.

The Panthers took McMillan eighth overall in the 2025 draft and signed him to a $27.9 million rookie deal. The 6’4”, 219-pound wideout was known for his contested catch abilities at Arizona but McMillan has earned rave reviews as a complete receiver during Panthers’ training camp.

Article Continues Below

Carolina is hoping that Young can continue playing at a high level this season with McMillan helping to fill out the offense. The team hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2017 but fans are excited for the duo. Here’s what some were saying after their first connection in the pros.

Sleeper wrote:
“I won’t overreact I won’t overreact I won’t overreact”

NFL Rivals added:
“Beautiful connection which should be the first of MANY this year”

2Bros1Book Podcast mocked:
“I heard separation would be an issue at this level.”

Chief declared:
“no cap, bryce and tet will both be pro bowlers this season. you can bookmark this tweet”

And Mountain Goober commented:
“But everyone has been saying tet is a bust?”

More Carolina Panthers News
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers’ Xavier Legette apologizes for fight with Browns defenderTroy Finnegan ·
panthers, jimmy horn
The biggest surprise from Panthers’ first unofficial depth chart of 2025 NFL seasonGarrett Kerman ·
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) shakes hands with guard Brady Christensen (70) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium.
How Panthers QB Bryce Young impressed Dave Canales during benching periodJosh Davis ·
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers’ Jaycee Horn calms any fears about car accident with 6 wordsJackson Stone ·
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers’ Jaycee Horn car accident keeps him out of joint practice vs. BrownsMalik Brown ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) keeps the ball and runs with Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) reaching out for the attempted stop during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers’ Derrick Brown issues big guarantee for Carolina’s 2025 defenseJordan Llanes ·