Xavier Legette is with the Carolina Panthers for OTAs, but he might not be with the team once the regular season rolls around. A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product was supposed to be Bryce Young’s first real offensive weapon following a dominant final year at the collegiate level. However, that never came to fruition, as Legette has failed to live up to his draft capital.
The wide receiver showed some signs of life as a rookie, finishing the season with a respectable 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns on 84 targets. However, Xavier Legette could not build on that performance and was one of the league’s least efficient receivers last year. Appearing in 15 games while making 12 starts, the wideout recorded just 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns on 64 targets. He fell behind 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan and 2024 undrafted free agent Jalen Coker on the depth chart, and he could struggle to beat out rookie third-round pick Chris Brazzell. Given the new depth at the position, Carolina could shop him around and see what offers are out there.
Panthers Could Trade Xavier Legette In Coming Months
The Panthers had arguably the league’s worst group of wide receivers when Xavier Legette entered the league. While nobody would confuse the current group with the 2007 New England Patriots, they have a solid cast of playmakers. Tetairoa McMillan looks like one of the league’s better young talents, Jalen Coker has shown signs of brilliance and ended the season with a dominant nine-catch, 134-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams, and Chris Brazzell has plenty of promise as a deep threat. Add in solid depth options in Jimmy Horn, John Metchie, and David Moore, and it’s hard to see where Legette fits into this puzzle.
This is likely why Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors put Xavier Legette on the trade block. While he may not ever live up to his first-round draft capital, the South Carolina product has shown enough potential to show he belongs in the NFL. There aren’t enough good wide receivers to go around, and someone like Legette could fetch a Day 3 pick in a trade from the following teams.
Possible Fits
Everyone in the world knows the New England Patriots will trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. However, what if they don’t? While Philadelphia and Brown are destined to part ways, there is a chance that a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars sweeps in and takes Brown away from New England. If this happens, the Patriots will need to do something to address the wide receiver room.
As things currently stand, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas sit atop the Patriots wide receiver depth chart. These players are solid complementary options, but they shouldn’t be leading a passing attack. New England could explore the free agent market and potentially reunite with Stefon Diggs, but it could also trade for Xavier Legette. Legette may not be a proven 1,000-yard option, but his elite athleticism offers plenty of long-term upside.
Alternatively, the Kansas City Chiefs could find themselves in the wide receiver market. Rashee Rice is a fantastic talent, but he cannot stay out of trouble. While he’s a great weapon when on the field, the Chiefs cannot count on him to keep his nose clean and avoid suspensions. With no other proven receivers on the depth chart, the Chiefs could trade for Xavier Legette and see what happens when he’s paired with an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. Perhaps a change in scenery can bring out the best in the former first-round pick.
