Xavier Legette’s Struggles Pose a Major Challenge for Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are facing a growing dilemma with their young wide receiver, Xavier Legette, and it’s becoming harder to ignore. Many fans had hoped that the addition of first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan and the emergence of second-round wideout Jalen Coker would take some of the pressure off Legette, but so far, that hasn’t happened. Simply put, Legette’s production hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a first-round pick.
Through nine games this season, Legette has recorded 20 receptions on 38 targets, totaling 181 yards and two touchdowns. But when you dig a little deeper, almost half of those catches and yards came in a single game against the New York Jets, which makes his overall contribution look even weaker. This has led to questions about whether head coach Dave Canales is utilizing Legette in the best way possible.
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Legette came out of South Carolina with a lot of potential but also some uncertainty. Having only one productive college season, scouts questioned whether he was a traditional boundary receiver. Comparisons were even made to Deebo Samuel, another former Gamecock, but Legette hasn’t mirrored that level of impact yet. Part of the issue isn’t entirely on him—he has shown an ability to create separation, but quarterback Bryce Young has missed throws that could have elevated Legette’s numbers. Still, the Panthers’ passing game has been among the worst in the league, and Legette has not been part of the solution.
The team is now at a crossroads. If they try to reduce Legette’s snaps, it’s unclear who would step in. Coker is slowly ramping up after returning from injury, and Jimmy Horn Jr., a sixth-round rookie, isn’t expected to contribute heavily just yet. Veteran Hunter Renfrow has faded into the background, leaving David Moore’s return from injured reserve as the potential boost, but even that is uncertain.
While it’s still only Legette’s second year, and it’s too early to declare him a bust, the outlook isn’t promising. Being selected ahead of players like Keon Coleman and Ladd McConkey, who have already outperformed him, has made many fans question the Panthers’ first-round decision. Legette’s role moving forward may need to shift, perhaps focusing on screens and jet sweeps rather than being relied upon as a traditional outside threat, but the team must find a way to maximize his abilities while managing expectations.
As the Panthers prepare for their Week 11 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Legette is expected to play, but his fantasy and real-world impact remain a concern. For now, he remains a talented but underperforming piece of a struggling passing offense, and how the Panthers handle him could define the trajectory of their young receiving corps.
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