Panthers Still Backing Xavier Legette Despite Quiet 2025 Season
The Carolina Panthers finally broke through in 2025, snapping their playoff drought with a postseason appearance for the first time since 2017. But while the team took a step forward, one of their young offensive weapons, wide receiver Xavier Legette, struggled to find his footing.
Legette, the 24-year-old former first-round pick out of South Carolina, wrapped up the season with 35 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Solid numbers for a role player, but not exactly what you'd expect from a player drafted to be a difference-maker. And in a year where Carolina’s offense showed flashes of growth, Legette’s limited production stood out.
Through two seasons and 31 games with the Panthers, Legette has totaled 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns. That’s a far cry from the kind of breakout many expected when Carolina invested a first-round pick in him. But the organization isn’t ready to hit the panic button - not yet.
Head coach Dave Canales made it clear that Legette’s work ethic and team-first mentality haven’t gone unnoticed.
“The thing I respect about Xavier is that through this process, all he’s done is work,” Canales said. “All he’s done is just continue to try to find ways; ‘How can I help?’
He continued to block, and he continued to be available. He’s just made of the right stuff.
I have full faith and confidence that Xavier will bounce back and have an excellent year next year.”
That kind of endorsement from a head coach says a lot. While the stat sheet might not reflect it, Legette’s willingness to do the dirty work - blocking downfield, staying engaged, and staying ready - matters in a locker room trying to build something sustainable.
Still, some around the league believe the Panthers should at least explore Legette’s trade value this offseason. After all, patience in the NFL is a luxury few teams can afford, especially when it comes to high draft picks. But General Manager Dan Morgan isn’t ready to give up on his young wideout.
“We’re all so quick to judge these guys,” Morgan said. “They’re maybe not developing as quick as the outside wants, but you’ve got to be patient with these guys.”
That patience will be tested in 2026. The Panthers bowed out in the Wild Card Round with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and Legette had a quiet showing - just one catch on four targets for eight yards. After the game, he didn’t make excuses.
“It ain’t time for emotions right now,” Legette said. “I’m still on the team, so I’m blessed to be in that position. ...
I can only do as much as I can. When it comes to me, I’ve got to make the play.”
There’s no question the pressure is mounting. Legette enters a pivotal third season - often the make-or-break year for young receivers.
The physical tools are there. The opportunity could be, too, especially if the Panthers continue to evolve offensively.
But production has to follow.
If Legette can turn the corner in 2026, he could still carve out a key role in Carolina’s offense. If not, the calls for change will grow louder - and the Panthers may have a tough decision to make.