Insider: Bryce Young's history with Tet McMillan might 'create fond memories' for Panthers

The pairing of Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan might lead to success.

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with teammates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Though Bryce Young is a year older and has two years of NFL experience on Tetairoa McMillan, they have a history together. The Carolina Panthers duo can be traced back to high school in California. In Young's senior season, his Mater Dei team demolished McMillan's Servite 56-11. They've known each other for years.

That, as well as some pre-draft workouts together, led Young to advocate for McMillan. The front office indicated that the Arizona wide receiver was their pick from the outset, but it certainly didn't help that their franchise QB was asking for this player.

Now, one NFL insider believes that history and rapport will lead to great things for the Panthers. USA Today's Tyler Dragon praised the growth of Young last season and anticipates that McMillan's arrival will coincide with another big step forward.

"The genesis of Young’s rising confidence can be traced back to the end of last season when he helped Carolina win two of its final three games," he said. "This growth was underscored when he lobbied for the Panthers to draft a playmaker who he’s familiar with. Now, maybe Young and McMillan can create fond memories together as teammates."

It's rare for a rookie wide receiver and an NFL quarterback who did not go to the same school either in high school or college to have such a history and potentially chemistry from the outset. Time will tell if that helps them on the field, but it does give them a leg up.

Young struggled to find that chemistry with first-round wideout Xavier Legette last season, so perhaps the innate familiarity with McMillan will prevent those rookie bumps in the road from happening this year.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers already predicted to cut ties with key offseason addition

Jaycee Horn loves to see big change from Panther QB Bryce Young

Panthers making progress in latest offseason NFL power rankings

Derrick Brown details harrowing comeback from major knee injury