Carolina Panthers third-year wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is “on the cusp of a breakout season,” according to local beat writer Mike Kaye. Marshall Jr. has been impressive throughout the early portion of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Marshall Jr. appears poised to secure a starting role in Carolina’s transitioning offense.

The Panthers made sweeping changes this offseason, both from a personnel and coaching perspective. The offensive-minded Frank Reich is the new head coach. The Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after acquiring the pick from the Chicago Bears. Marshall Jr. is currently developing chemistry with Young, who is already earning first-team reps at Panthers practice.

Reich and Young should bring much-needed stability to a Panthers offense that often lacked just that through Marshall Jr.’s two-season tenure in Carolina. Their arrival adds a legitimate glimmer of hope to Marshall Jr.’s future. Reich represents a significant upgrade from the ineptness put forth by Matt Rhule. Improvement is expected after last year’s passing offense averaged a 29th-ranked 176.2 passing yards per game.

Young and Reich don’t represent the only changes. The Panthers traded superstar receiver D.J. Moore to the Bears as part of the package to get Young. Moore’s departure leaves a sizable amount of targets and production behind. Marshall Jr. is an in-house favorite to fill that void. The former LSU standout appears ready to take off as a result.

Marshall Jr. entered his sophomore campaign on the heels of a disappointing rookie season. He totaled just 17 receptions for 181 yards in 13 regular-season appearances in 2021. Last year, Marshall Jr. took steps forward by posting 28 catches for 490 yards and one touchdown while averaging an explosive 17.5 yards per reception.

Marshall Jr. was extremely elusive in the open field. He averaged 5.1 yards after catch per reception, via Pro Football Focus. Carolina’s quarterbacks enjoyed a positive quarterback rating of 102.3 when targeting Marshall Jr. His overall production should experience another exponential jump in Year 3.

A new offense and system eliminates some of Marshall Jr.’s comfort level, but he’s Carolina’s lone starring pass catcher that’s familiar with his surroundings. The likes of Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, and Hayden Hurst were signed in unrestricted free agency. Jonathan Mingo was drafted in the second round. Even the run game has received a complete makeover via the signing of Miles Sanders. The offense will be unrecognizable beyond the steadiness Marshall Jr. offers.

Carolina’s most proven pass catcher is the aging Thielen, who is expected to start on the boundary. His running mate will likely be Marshall Jr., who should out-snap and out-produce the less inexperienced Mingo. Mingo will be a factor in three-receiver sets. Chark is a designated deep threat.

The Panthers should make significant strides under an exciting new leadership group. Marshall Jr. will be one of the biggest benefactors of the new direction being taken by Reich and Co. A breakout, 700-plus-yard campaign appears to be on the horizon for Terrace Marshall Jr.