Panthers Second Year Receiver Continues to Struggle
Xavier Legette has had a hard time adjusting to the league. The Panthers selected Legette 32nd overall in 2024 to fill the void in their receiving room. With the departure of one of the franchise’s best receivers, DJ Moore, the receiving room lacked serious firepower, being led by veteran Adam Thielen. With Thielen being on the wrong side of 30, the Panthers were in dire need of young, talented receivers. The 2024 draft class is shaping up to be an all-time class, but Legette stands out as a possible bust. I hate using the term 'bust', especially for second-year players, but it is becoming undeniable. Legette has failed to produce during his two seasons with the Panthers. In the NFL, every player has a limit, and Legette is reaching his.
The former Gamecock was underwhelming in college until his senior season. Failing to record more than 200 receiving yards from 2019 to 2022, he finally exploded in his senior season in 2023. Finally, he exploded for 71 receptions, 1,255 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. Advertised as a large receiver with great after-the-catch ability. Standing six-foot-one and 221 pounds, Legette put up solid stats at the combine, highlighted by a 4.39 40 time, which is a blazing speed for a receiver of his size.
The Panthers, enamored by Legette’s measurables and speed, traded up to grab him at the end of the first round. The Panthers didn’t have a first-round pick in 2024, after trading it away to acquire Bryce Young in 2023. Trading up for Legette was new general manager Dan Morgan’s first big move of the franchise. On paper, moving up is a good move for Morgan. As previously mentioned, the Panthers were lacking at receiver, and Legette is a Carolina boy. A big physical receiver and hometown hero, drafted to help Young’s development. Unfortunately, he has yet to pan out after a lackluster rookie year with 49 receptions for 497 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Coming into year two, the Panthers expected him to step up and take over the WR2 role behind newly drafted Tetairoa McMillian, who was selected eighth overall during the 2025 NFL Offseason. On paper, Legette would be a great compliment to TMac, who would take the top off and leave the underneath work open for Legette to showcase his physical talents. However, year two has been terrible for the native Carolinian, who has only eclipsed 50 receiving yards once this season. It’s worse than that. Outside of his Week Seven performance for 92 receiving yards, nine receptions, and a touchdown, his best game was 31 receiving yards for two receptions and a touchdown. In total, he has 181 receiving yards, 20 receptions, and two touchdowns on the year, with two games missed due to injury. So far, this has been Morgan’s worst pick in his short time as the general manager. With the Panthers' offense failing to impress, it should be no secret that the Panthers are more than likely looking for his replacement.
The Panthers currently have their best record in years at 5-5. After multiple first-round picks and big signings in free agency, the team is coming together. They are a couple of key pieces away from being a legitimate playoff contender. This offseason could see the departure of some big pieces, including Young and Legette. Rumors are already swirling about the possibility of the Panthers taking a shot at Kyler Murray in the offseason. Free agency doesn’t project too many solid receivers, so Legette’s future in Carolina is still very much up in the air.
