Makes case for WR3 spot

Metchie caught six of seven targets for a game-high 77 yards in Friday's 34-17 preseason win over the Jaguars.

While Metchie led the Panthers in catches, targets and receiving yards, he didn't make his first reception until the second half, as Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker worked with the starters in the first quarter and David Moore and Brycen Tremayne were Kenny Pickett's wideouts in the second quarter. Once Metchie got onto the field, however, he made an immediate impact and showed strong chemistry with Pickett. Now on his fourth NFL team after being a second-round pick of the Texans in 2023, Metchie is coming off the best stretch of his career in the second half last season with the Jets. The Panthers' WR depth chart remains unsettled behind McMillan and Coker, and Metchie's effort Friday should keep him in the running for a significant role once the regular season rolls around.