Shedeur Sanders turned heads Friday night with a stellar NFL preseason debut, but one Carolina Panthers rookie made sure his quarterback still got the nod.
Starting for the Cleveland Browns against the Panthers, the former Colorado star threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-23 passing, leading his team to a 30-10 win. His performance drew praise from Carolina rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who still made it clear where his loyalty stands.
“Shedeur went out there and killed it,” McMillan told reporters in a clip captured by The Athletic’s Joe Person. “But obviously I’m gonna take my quarterback any day of the week. Shout out 9.”
That “9” is Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Young delivered a solid outing of his own, going 4-of-6 for 58 yards and a touchdown — a five-yard strike to Jalen Coker in the first quarter. Young and McMillan also connected on a big gain in the opening period, showcasing early chemistry between Carolina’s two first-round picks.
McMillan, drafted eighth overall in 2025, finished with 43 yards on two catches. The Panthers are counting on him to elevate Young’s passing production after the QB made notable progress late last season, throwing for 1,320 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions over his final six starts.
The Panthers continue preseason action in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, while Sanders will look to build on his breakout debut with Cleveland against the Philadelphia Eagles.