Panthers Staying Patient with Xavier Legette Despite Slow Start
Two years into his NFL career, Xavier Legette hasn’t exactly lived up to the billing of a first-round pick - at least, not yet. But if you’re expecting the Carolina Panthers to cut bait on the young wideout, think again.
General manager Dan Morgan made it clear this week that the organization isn’t ready to give up on Legette, despite a disappointing sophomore season that saw him slide down the depth chart behind undrafted receiver Jalen Coker.
“We’re all so quick to judge these guys,” Morgan said. “And maybe they’re not developing as quick as the outside wants.
But I think you’ve got to be patient with these guys. I think you’ve got to let ’em develop, you’ve got to let ’em grow.”
That’s a strong vote of confidence - or at least a public commitment - to a player who’s still trying to find his footing in the league.
Legette’s Struggles: A Closer Look
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Legette’s first two seasons have been underwhelming. After a rookie campaign where he caught 49 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns, many expected the former South Carolina standout to take a leap forward in Year 2. Instead, he took a step back - finishing the 2025 season with just 35 receptions for 363 yards and three scores.
The most concerning part? The same issues that plagued him as a rookie - inconsistent hands, trouble creating separation - continued into his second year. He’s yet to record a 100-yard game in his NFL career, and he only managed more than five catches in a game once this past season.
Meanwhile, Coker, a 2024 undrafted free agent, has quietly overtaken him in the pecking order. That’s not just a depth chart shuffle - it’s a reflection of performance and trust from the coaching staff.
The Bryce Young Factor
It’s also worth noting that Legette hasn’t exactly had the most stable environment to develop in. Carolina’s passing game has been a work in progress, and while Bryce Young has shown flashes, the offense has lacked rhythm and consistency. That’s not an excuse - but it is context.
Still, for a team now eyeing playoff contention, the margin for error is shrinking. And the Panthers know they need more firepower around Young if they want to take the next step offensively.
What’s Next for Carolina?
So while Morgan is publicly backing Legette, the Panthers are likely exploring ways to bolster their receiving corps this offseason. The 2026 draft class is loaded at wide receiver, and Carolina holds the kind of draft capital that could land them an impact player. Add in some cap space to work with in free agency, and it’s safe to say the front office has options.
That doesn’t mean Legette is out of the picture - far from it. But he’s no longer the presumed future at the position. He’ll have to earn his role in a room that could look very different come training camp.
Final Word
The Panthers are preaching patience with Xavier Legette, and that’s fair. He’s only 24, and development isn’t always linear. But in a league that doesn’t wait long for results - especially from first-round picks - the clock is ticking.
Legette still has time to flip the narrative. But if Carolina wants to contend, they’ll need more production from their receivers - whether it comes from Legette or someone else.