Who Should I Start? Jauan Jennings or Tetairoa McMillan

Tuesday, March 18, 2:52 PM

The San Francisco 49ers traded veteran wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders this offseason, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could start next season on the Injured Reserve list as he recovers from a torn ACL. He could also be traded before the start of the 2025 campaign. That said, Jauan Jennings could open next year's campaign as the team's WR1, according to Athletic reporter Matt Barrows. Barrows listed Jennings ahead of Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson on his projected depth chart. Jennings, a 2020 seventh-round pick out of Tennessee, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024. He registered 77 receptions for 975 yards and six scores. Had he not been ejected from the team's regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, he likely would've notched his first 1,000-yard campaign. Jennings would have at least WR2 upside in Kyle Shanahan's offense if Aiyuk isn't available early on or is traded, though he would still have to compete with tight end George Kittle for targets.

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.