The Carolina Panthers had a solid season in 2026, landing at No. 1 in the NFC South and giving the Buccaneers a run for their money. But, if they want to build on that momentum, they have to do more to beef up their lineup.
One NFL analyst thinks the Panthers should consider making a blockbuster trade before September. Why not shake things up?
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Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has released an article where he names one blockbuster trade each franchise should make before the 2026 season starts. “We could get more transactional fireworks this summer, or at least see moves that we expected teams to make, like the Brown deal, before final roster cuts on August 30,” he states in the piece.
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For the Panthers, he suggests trading wide receiver Xavier Legette, one of Bryce Young’s targets.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Head coach Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“In two years, Xavier Legette could fall to wide receiver No. 4 on the Carolina Panthers depth chart,” he points out, adding that “unlike Legette, Tetairoa McMillan immediately blossomed into a lead playmaker, winning 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.”
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So, perhaps now would be a smart time to trade Legette while he’s still garnering interest around the league. He’s probably not going to surpass McMillan on the depth chart, and instead, the Panthers could find a suitable trade partner for the wide receiver and get something in return. Even though Legette hasn’t lived up to expectations, he still has strong enough numbers to attract a good trade partner.
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