{"id":707105,"date":"2026-01-26T19:53:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/707105\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T19:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:53:14","slug":"xavier-legettes-future-to-remain-in-carolina-for-now-nfl-insider-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/707105\/","title":{"rendered":"Xavier Legette\u2019s Future to Remain in Carolina For Now, NFL Insider Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best way to describe the second season for Carolina Panthers<\/a> wide receiver Xavier Legette<\/a> is forgettable. Legette never really found his groove throughout the year, and his numbers dipped from what was realistically a mediocre rookie campaign as well.<\/p>\n

In year two, Legette posted just 35 catches for 363 receiving yards and three touchdowns.\u00a0 After two years, the production just hasn\u2019t been there for Legette, raising questions about his future with the Panthers, and if Carolina will look to replace him in the draft this offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/dqbhPCgTNO<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/9Xr1ld46DL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 \u26f7\ufe0f (@ThomasWrrld) December 11, 2025<\/a>NFL Insider answers fan questions on WR Xavier Legette’s future with Carolina\"Xavier<\/p>\n

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) during pregame warmups at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

In a recent \u201cPanthers mailbag<\/a>,\u201d The Athletic\u2019s Joseph Person was asked whether Legette will be on the roster heading into next season. He responded that he thinks so, at least to start the season, and mentioned that head coach Dave Canales<\/a> didn\u2019t seem ready to give up on Legette after the season ended when asked about the second-year receiver.<\/p>\n

Dave Canales was complimentary of Legette after the season ended despite the lack of production. He talked about how, despite the struggles, Legette was always asking how he could help in any way, and that he continued to embrace things like blocking and returning kicks on special teams.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the Mailbag, Person talked about GM Dan Morgan\u2019s track record for turning receivers who have talent but are lacking in production into draft capital, and that there is a real possibility he could depart midway through next season rather than before the summer.<\/p>\n

This seems like the most likely scenario, and if the Panthers plan to trade Legette, they need to acquire some draft capital. The real question is how valuable it is, since Legette\u2019s stock has dropped more than anything.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another question in The Athletic’s Panthers Mailbag asked whether the Panthers would look to replace Legette early in the NFL Draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Person answered simply, saying, \u201cI don\u2019t see it. This feels like the year Morgan, the former linebacker, goes defense in the first round.\u201d Person also acknowledged the fact that he made the same prediction last year of the Panthers drafting a defense over a receiver, and was wrong when the Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan.<\/p>\n

Joseph Person added that the GM Dan Morgan is going to look for another receiver this season, specifically a playmaker who \u201ccan take a 5-yard catch and take it the distance.\u201d Insinuating that he wants a speedster-type receiver who can make something out of nothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While Legette hasn\u2019t been phenomenal in his tenure with Carolina, Person is right, the Panthers are much better suited to go defense in this upcoming draft rather than swing for another stud young receiver. The Panthers, as of now, seemingly have their core two in McMillan and Jalen Coker, who really came on towards the end of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jalen Coker with nine catches for 134 yards and a TD tonight.<\/p>\n

Xavier Legette in the past seven games including today: 12 catches for 107 yards.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

No matter what happens this offseason, the Panthers will find more depth at receiver, whether through the draft in the middle rounds or in free agency. This room will have new faces going into next season, and for Xavier Lagette, his future with the franchise depends on how he performs in camp and early in the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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