Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Tetairoa McMillan

Friday, May 30, 12:36 PM

There is still no official timeline for San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) return in 2025, but general manager John Lynch expressed some optimism regarding his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon's tracking in a good way with his knee, and you've just got to kind of let that play out," Lynch said. "We're not going to put him out there until he's ready, but we're excited with our receiver group and where we're at." Aiyuk will most likely not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but if he continues to make strides in his rehab, he could return sooner than later. Regardless, the 27-year-old's fantasy stock has taken a big hit after he caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games before his season-ending injury last year. Until Aiyuk is able to return, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) will be the team's top wideouts.

Thursday, May 8, 10:59 PM

The Carolina Panthers have signed rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to a four-year, $27.93 million contract. McMillan was the first receiver selected in April's draft, chosen No. 8 overall by Carolina. The hulking pass-catcher (6-foot-4) will reportedly operate as the team's X receiver with veteran Adam Thielen manning the slot and Xavier Legette rounding out the corps at the Z. It's a natural fit for the Arizona product, as his frame and metrics support the position. He was excellent during his final two seasons at college, amassing 174 receptions, 2,721 yards, and 18 touchdowns, and projects to slot in as a high-volume target for quarterback Bryce Young. McMillan is a superb selection early in rookie drafts, and could garner appeal in redraft leagues if Young's improvements from the tail end of 2024 stick.