Biggest takeaways from the start of Panthers' 2025 OTAs

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2 days ago

The Carolina Panthers seemingly got what they wanted out of the first session of team organized activities this afternoon. In fact, head coach Dave Canales went as far as describing the outing as a "great day."
We also, even in this lighter stage of the offseason, learned quite a few interesting things about the current state of the squad.
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Here are the biggest takeaways from the start of this year's OTAs . . .
The recovery of Derrick Brown moves along
Eight months after undergoing season-ending meniscus surgery, defensive lineman Derrick Brown appeared on the practice field with his helmet in hand. And although he did not end up participating in team drills, the Pro Bowler's presence feels like a positive sign moving forward.
Brown talked about his recovery last month.
"Just doing what the doctors and the trainers are allowing me to do at this point. No rush," he said back on Apr. 23. "Just trying to get back and I would like to be able to be there when the team gets ready to play in September. So I'm following the protocol as is."
Carolina's young tight ends will have to step up
Unlike Brown, tight end Tommy Tremble probably isn't planning on being ready for September.
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Canales revealed that Tremble, who signed a new two-year deal this spring, recently underwent back surgery.
"Tommy did have surgery on his back last week, a successful surgery," Canales stated. "We were kinda thinking about it, talking about it, looking at timelines and all that and just felt like for him . . . he's 25 years old. Let's get this thing while he's young and strong and be able to get him back on the right track. So we just decided to do that now, looking forward."
A team spokesperson later added that Tremble is expected to be rehabbing by the time training camp rolls around, putting his early-season availability into considerable doubt.
If Tremble is not good to go by Week 1, the Panthers may be looking for something extra out 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders and 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans.
Hunter Renfrow continues his comeback
Canales also spoke about veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who hasn't played an NFL down since 2023.
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"You see weekly, he just makes these huge strides, just getting his feet under him," Canales stated. "And I can tell too, just having coached wide receivers especially, but he's got a lot in his game. Releases, top-of-the-route setup, avoidance, different things where he can double up stuff at the top of his routes.
Renfrow, 29, missed the entire 2024 campaign due to a battle with ulcerative colitis. The Panthers signed the Myrtle Beach, S.C. native and Clemson University product in late April.
Xavier Legette looks to bounce back
Wideout Xavier Legette didn't have the finest stretches to end his rookie campaign. But with one season of NFL ball under Legette's belt and a fellow first-round receiver now by his side, Canales is hoping for a leap out of the second-year pass catcher.
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"What I see is a year into the system," Canales stated. "Just the speed that he's playing with now, with the level of comfort he has with what we're doing. When I see him smiling, I know he's in a good space. And he really has just been enjoying this offseason. Working hard. He looks big and fast.
"And I think with TMac [Tetairoa McMillan] coming into the room, again, it's just options," Canales later added. "It opens things up, it creates a little bit of balance—where the field doesn't tilt one way or the other. So you have two guys who can make it happen outside and that's a good thing."
After taking Legette with the 32nd overall pick in 2024, the Panthers nabbed McMillan with this year's eighth overall pick.
Locking horns in Houston
The Panthers, as they'd hoped, were able to set up a joint practice with the Houston Texans for later this summer. That workout will come before the teams face off in the second week of the preseason at NRG Stadium on Aug. 16.
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Carolina also has a joint practice slated with the Cleveland Browns, their first opponent for exhibition play.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2025 OTAs: Biggest takeaways from Day 1