Bryce Young finds his creative gear in Year 4, and it runs through Tetairoa McMillan

Bryce Young is entering a make-or-break fourth season in Carolina, and the Panthers' offense is beginning to look looser because of it. The former No. 1 overall pick has shown a more willing, creative streak in camp, spreading the ball to multiple targets — but when the pressure is on, his instinct keeps circling back to one man.

Tetairoa McMillan, the 2025 first-round wideout, is Young's tallest, most contested-catch-friendly option, and building a young quarterback's confidence through a trusted No. 1 target is a proven path. Panthers beat writer Alex Zietlow has chronicled the connection all camp: Young and McMillan heating up in red-zone drills, the quarterback staring down an unblocked blitzer and lofting a score to his receiver, the two connecting on a 20-yard touchdown strike during joint work with Jacksonville.

Young's first two seasons were defined by instability — coaching changes, an overhauled supporting cast, and the kind of environment that stunts a young passer. Year 3 steadied under head coach Dave Canales; Year 4 is where the Panthers expect the investment to show. Leaning on McMillan is less a limitation than a foundation: a quarterback who knows exactly where his best throw is going is a quarterback who can start expanding everywhere else.

If the connection holds into the regular season, it gives Carolina a clear spine on offense and Young a tangible reason to believe this is the year it clicks.