At the end of August, NFL teams will be trimming their rosters from 90 players down to 53 in preparation for the regular season. When it comes to the Carolina Panthers, some of the most difficult decisions the front office will have to make may come at the wide receiver room.
Right now, it's a crowded picture at this spot—even with rookie Chris Brazzell II out for the year. We know that 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, the newly-extended Jalen Coker and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette are guaranteed their spots—and the Panthers seem to determined to roster David Moore, no matter what.
That leaves just two or three openings with a field of seven other contenders. So, who may be on the outs?
According to Moe Moton at Bleacher Report, second-year fan favorite Jimmy Horn Jr. might be one of those casualties. He's named Horn as his top cut candidate for Carolina:
Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are the top three receivers. Brycen Tremayne is a key special teamer. If the Panthers keep John Metchie III, it could cost Jimmy Horn Jr. a roster spot... Listed at 5'8", 174 pounds... Horn doesn't have the size to move outside, but Metchie can also make plays on the perimeter. Still only 26, Metchie has some upside and started to show his potential in the second half of the previous season with the New York Jets. He could surpass Horn for the backup slot receiver position, which is notable given Coker's recent injury history.
Horn has had himself a strong summer, and was even praised for his work by head coach Dave Canales this past Wednesday. That acknowledgment came off a representative performance for Horn in the Hall of Fame Game last Thursday night, where he amassed a team-leading 44 receiving yards on four catches.
The speedy 23-year-old, in addition to his presence on offense, may also be able to prove his worth on special teams. He's currently listed as the No. 2 kick and punt returner behind fellow 2025 draftee Trevor Etienne.
While many want to see Horn stick around, the math makes it hard to have total confidence in seeing him on the initial 53-man roster. He may need to do something even more special during the preseason to lock in a spot.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Fan-favorite WR named Panthers' top cut candidate ahead of 2026 season
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