With the 2025-26 NFL season officially in the rearview, the Carolina Panthers find themselves staring down a pivotal offseason. General manager Dan Morgan has work to do-and while fans are already deep-diving into mock drafts and potential first-round targets, there’s a chance Carolina makes a big move before the 2026 NFL Draft even kicks off.
One name that’s been floated in trade discussions? Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts. According to recent league chatter, a potential deal could involve Pittman heading to Carolina in exchange for wideout Xavier Legette and a late-round pick swap.
Let’s break down why this deal could make a lot of sense for both sides-but especially for the Panthers.
Why the Panthers Might Pull the Trigger
Xavier Legette came into the league with plenty of buzz. A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina standout brought size, athleticism, and big-play potential to Carolina’s offense.
But through two seasons, the production hasn’t quite matched the promise. Legette has totaled just 860 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 84 catches.
That’s solid, but not quite what you’d expect from a first-rounder trying to establish himself as a WR1 or even a consistent WR2.
That lack of development prompted Morgan and the Panthers to dip back into the receiver pool in the 2025 draft, selecting Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. That move is already paying dividends-McMillan just took home AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and he’s quickly becoming the centerpiece of Carolina’s receiving corps.
With McMillan emerging and 2024 undrafted gem Jalen Coker also carving out a role, Legette now finds himself sliding down the depth chart. At 25 years old, he still has upside, but it’s clear he might benefit from a change of scenery. That’s where the Colts come in.
What Pittman Brings to Carolina
If this trade goes through, Carolina would be getting a proven veteran in Michael Pittman Jr.-a receiver who’s already shown he can produce at a high level in the NFL. He’s posted two 1,000-yard seasons during his time in Indy, and while his role has diminished recently with the rise of Alec Pierce and others, Pittman still has the tools to be a difference-maker.
At 28, Pittman would immediately become the most experienced receiver on the Panthers’ roster. That’s a big deal for a team built around young talent at the skill positions.
His presence would give head coach Dave Canales a reliable target who knows how to get open, move the chains, and create mismatches against smaller corners. He wouldn’t just be a mentor-he’d be a weapon.
The Panthers’ offense, still in the early stages of its rebuild, could use that kind of steadying force. And with McMillan already flashing star potential, Pittman wouldn’t need to carry the load-he’d complement the young core, not overshadow it.
Why It Works for Indy, Too
From the Colts’ perspective, this is about cap flexibility and long-term planning. Pittman is entering a contract year, and with Alec Pierce looking like a future WR1, Indianapolis might not be willing to re-sign Pittman at a premium price. Trading him now allows them to get something in return-namely, a young, athletic receiver in Legette who still has untapped potential and comes with a much lower price tag.
Legette would slide into a depth role behind Pierce, Josh Downs, and potentially Ashton Dulin. But he fits the mold of the kind of athlete Colts GM Chris Ballard loves to take a chance on-big, fast, and still developing.
And if Legette never quite breaks out? The financial risk is minimal.
Final Thoughts
This proposed trade isn’t just a roster shuffle-it’s a strategic move that could benefit both franchises. For Carolina, it’s about surrounding a young quarterback and a budding star in McMillan with a veteran who’s been there before. For Indianapolis, it’s a chance to get younger, cheaper, and potentially uncover another gem in Legette.
Nothing’s official yet, but don’t be surprised if this is one of the offseason’s first big dominoes to fall. The Panthers are looking for answers on offense-and Michael Pittman Jr. might just be the one to provide them.