Now that the Carolina Panthers have a quarterback they can actually trust, which of their wide receivers can you trust for your fantasy football season?
Pro Football Focus’ Austin Scott thinks that man may be Terrace Marshall Jr., who he named as one of 10 players who could see their target share increase in 2023. Scott writes:
Amidst what was largely a lost 2022 season for the Panthers, Marshall made the most of his opportunities after a slow start to his career in 2021, averaging 17.5 yards per reception and 1.5 yards per route run on just 47 targets and a 17.9% adjusted target rate with Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold at QB in 2022. Enter first-overall pick Bryce Young and a revamped skill position group, and much of the Panthers’ offensive production is still largely to be determined. While Adam Thielen and Hayden Hurst may project more favorably with a rookie QB, Marshall’s development path, success at the intermediate level (29/47 targets over 10-plus yards), and ability after the catch (5.1 yards after the catch per reception) should mesh well with Young and give him a path to a featured role and a drastic increase in targets.
Albeit a largely quiet campaign, Marshall Jr. took a step forward from his rookie year. He saw increases in starts (three to nine) and targets (30 to 47) while recording 490 receiving yards in what was a constantly fluctuating offense.
And even though he’ll have to take a much bigger step in Year No. 3 to warrant any fantasy consideration, the opportunity to become No. 1 amongst Young’s targets is there for the taking.
