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Colts Could Be Interested in Forgotten Panthers' Wide Receiver
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- Colts Could Be Interested in Forgotten Panthers' Wide Receiver
The Carolina Panthers have seen some positive developments in the wide receiver room.
Tetairoa McMillan still looks a WR1 after his impressive rookie campaign. Additionally, Jalen Coker seems to have taken a massive step forward , as he already has 16 catches through just two games.
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Xavier Legette has also made some plays as WR3, so as a result, the Panthers haven't needed much out of their depth receivers. John Metchie III , for example, made the team after having an impressive camp and preseason, but he has yet to record a catch.
Considering the Panthers have capable receivers like Ja'seem Reed and Casey Washington on the practice squad, could they be open to moving Metchie? There's an AFC playoff hopeful who could use a receiver.
Metchie to Colts Could Make Sense
Sep 13, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) celebrates during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium.Trevor Ruszkowski - Imagn Images
The Colts' receiver room isn't looking too hot right now. Alec Pierce was re-signed to a big deal this offseason, and the team was hoping he would ascend to stardom this season.
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Instead, Pierce suffered a serious injury in Week 2 and will miss the next several weeks at least. This is a big blow, as the Colts aren't exactly deep at receiver. Keenan Allen was brought in, but he could be facing a suspension.
This means the Colts could be faced with having to start Darius Slayton , Josh Downs , and Laquon Treadwell , which isn't ideal. Mark Livingston of Panthers OnSI thinks the Colts should call the Panthers about Metchie.
"The Colts could need another receiver. The Panthers have one who may have a hard time getting on the field," Livingston explained. "If Indianapolis makes that phone call, I think it's at least a conversation worth having."
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As Livingston mentioned, Metchie would definitely get more opportunities in Indianapolis. The Panthers couldn't expect much in a trade, but perhaps the Colts think the receiver still has upside considering he's only 26.
"For Carolina, I think it's pretty simple. If Metchie isn't going to get many opportunities once everyone is healthy, could the Panthers turn him into a draft pick? I'm not giving him away just to make a trade, but if somebody makes a decent offer, I think you have to listen," Livingston added.
If Carolina were to move Metchie, they could get a late-round pick to stash and then promote Reed to the active roster. That could even end up being an upgrade.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
