Panthers Urged to Target Receiver Recently Cut By Browns

The Carolina Panthers have an interesting wide receiver room this summer.

Tetairoa McMillan is clearly in place as the WR1, and Jalen Coker is a solid starter behind him. Xavier Legette is being asked to take a major step forward after rookie Chris Brazzell II suffered a season-ending injury.

The depth receivers behind that top trio have been intriguing. Jimmy Horn Jr. and Ja’seem Reed have had great summers, but neither player has ever produced in the regular season. John Metchie III is in a similar boat as he’s looked solid so far but has an unproven track record.

As a result, the Panthers could potentially be in the market for a slightly more proven option. If that’s the case, the Cleveland Browns just cut a player who could be of interest.

Panthers Could be Interested in Cedric Tillman

Cedric Tillman was on the roster bubble as soon as the Browns drafted Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion. The receiver has been floated as a trade candidate for months, but the Browns decided to go ahead and move on from Tillman ahead of the preseason finale.

Now, the Panthers could simply sign the receiver if they want him, rather than give up assets. Mike Moraitis of Panthers OnSI thinks Tillman would be a perfect addition to the team’s young receiver room.

“Tillman would offer the Panthers another option for the No. 3 wide receiver job. At the very least, he would add some length to the position for Carolina and an upgrade to the WR4 spot,” Moraitis explained.

It is definitely risky to rely on Legette as the WR3 given his lack of production thus far. As Moraitis mentioned, Tillman would at the very least give Legette some competition.

In 2025, Tillman played in 13 games and caught 21 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. It’s hard to blame the receiver for a lack of production, though, considering he had to deal with the worst quarterback play in the league.

“Regardless, the Panthers should just bring Tillman aboard and see what happens. He won’t cost much and the Panthers need all the help they can get at wide receiver for what is a crucial season for Bryce Young and the franchise as a whole,” Moraitis added.

There’s essentially no risk to bringing the receiver in. He’d improve the depth while not costing much at all. Who knows, perhaps Tillman has another level that he can unlock in a more stable environment.