The Carolina Panthers‘ top objective this offseason is obvious — make the necessary improvements to get this team past the first round of the playoffs.

Carolina took a big step forward in 2025 by winning the NFC South and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

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But the Panthers’ quick exit from the playoffs was a reminder that there’s still a big gap between them and the top contenders in the NFC.

Carolina has some work to do this offseason to improve its roster ahead of a pivotal 2026 season for head coach Dave Canales.

ESPN believes the Panthers could trade a former first round draft pick during the offseason

Since the offseason hasn’t officially started yet, it’s a little early to predict what moves the Panthers might make.

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ESPN, however, threw out some potential offseason scenarios this week that could come to fruition. And one of their scenarios involves the Panthers trading wide receiver Xavier Legette, the No. 32 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Legette, a former South Carolina Gamecocks standout, has 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns over his first two seasons in the NFL.

That’s obviously not the production that’s expected from a first round pick.

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“The Panthers still have a spot for Legette in the lineup when they play three-wide sets, but he has fallen behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker in terms of priorities and production for Carolina,” wrote ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. “And there’s no reason why GM Dan Morgan would keep that spot open if the Panthers can find an upgrade this offseason. Legette is owed $4.4 million over the next two years, all of which is guaranteed, and he has a potential fifth-year option in 2028 that would come up for a decision after the 2026 season. Carolina was willing to give up on (Jonathan) Mingo, a top-40 pick, after only 24 games when the right trade offer emerged. I suspect it would be similar for Legette this offseason.”

I’ll be surprised if an attractive trade offer for Legette presents itself over the next few months. If the Panthers trade Legette this offseason, they almost certainly won’t get much of a return. That’s why it’s probably best for Carolina to hold on to Legette to see if he takes a step forward in his age 25 season.

Related: ‘Not acceptable’ — Panthers GM Dan Morgan says what needed to be said about one of the Panthers’ more pressing issues going into 2026

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.