A number of Panthers were known to be on the block in advance of the 2023 trade deadline. That group included wideout Terrace Marshall, though he was not dealt.
Marshall entered the league with high expectations after he played a role in LSU’s explosive passing game alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. While the latter two members of that pair have established themselves amongst the league’s top receivers, Marshall has struggled to carve out a role at the pro level. He once again faces an uncertain future in Carolina.
Marshall is likely on the roster bubble this summer, Joe Person of The Athletic writes (subscription required). The 23-year-old received permission to find a trade partner in October, but to little surprise there was not a strong market to acquire him. A limited role in the team’s offense in 2023 relative to his playing time the previous year fueled a trade request.
Carolina did not add a wideout during the campaign, but the team has been active on that front this offseason. The Panthers dealt cornerback Donte Jackson to the Steelers in return for Diontae Johnson. The latter posted at least 86 catches and 882 yards each year from 2020-22, and he will be a key member of Carolina’s passing attack moving forward.
The same is also true of Xavier Legette, whom the Panthers traded up to select at the end of Round 1 in the draft. The South Carolina product did not handle a notable role until 2023, but last season he posted a 71-1,255-7 statline while also showcasing his ability as a returner. Legette’s skillset is different from that of Johnson and 2023 signee Adam Thielen, and he will be counted on to carve out a role during his rookie season.
Thielen received 137 targets in his debut Panthers season, in part due to the team’s lack of other established pass-catching options. The additions of Johnson and Legette (as well as the decision to draft tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in the fourth round) were aimed at rectifying that issue in quarterback Bryce Young‘s second campaign. The Panthers also have 2023 third-rounder Jonathan Mingo in place on the WR depth chart.
Marshall averaged 17.5 yards per catch while logging nine starts in 2022 when Ben McAdoo guided Carolina’s offense. His playing time saw a notable decline last year, though, and he recorded only 19 scoreless catches. Marshall’s performance in training camp will be worth watching closely. If new head coach Dave Canales does not foresee the…