Tetairoa McMillan: Everything you need to know

McMillan was named the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The Panthers selected McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 Draft, and he quickly emerged as Carolina's top pass catcher. Even with inconsistent quarterback play and low pass volume in the offense, McMillan topped 1,000 receiving yards in 17 regular-season games while reaching 100 yards in two separate contests. He could face similar obstacles in 2026, but McMillan will remain a key part of the offense and should earn plenty of targets.

McMillan recorded five receptions on seven targets for 81 yards in Saturday's 34-31 wild-card round loss to the Rams. McMillan was overshadowed by Jalen Coker, but he still turned in a solid showing of his own. He particularly played a key role on a touchdown drive in the second quarter, logging consecutive receptions of 14 and 22 yards. Overall, McMillan closed his rookie season having topped 70 receiving yards in three of his last five games (including playoffs), setting him up to take a potential step forward in his sophomore season.

McMillan brought in four of six targets for 85 yards and lost a fumble in the Panthers' 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday. McMillan paced the Panthers in receiving yards while checking in second to Jalen Coker in both receptions and targets. McMillan's lost fumble came on Carolina's desperation lateral-heavy final play, when he lost the handle at his own 36-yard line to quell any chance of an extremely longshot bid to score a touchdown with no time remaining. McMillan did manage to get over the 1,000-yard mark for the season with his production, finishing his first NFL regular campaign with a 70-1,014-7 line while appearing in all 17 games. If the Falcons are able to defeat the Saints on Sunday, McMillan will also have his first NFL postseason appearance to look forward to in next weekend's wild-card round.