Xavier Legette’s sophomore campaign with the Carolina Panthers fell well short of expectations. After a rookie season filled with ups and downs, he was expected to show growth and deliver more reliable performances in critical moments. That progress never truly arrived.
Persistent concentration lapses continued to plague Legette, leading to mounting frustration within the organization. Head coach Dave Canales gradually scaled back his role late in the season, especially as Jalen Coker overtook him as the clear No. 2 receiver behind first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan. When Carolina had everything at stake on its final drive against the Los Angeles Rams, Legette was notably absent from the action.
That moment spoke volumes about how his development is currently viewed. Confidence in his ability to deliver when it matters has eroded, though Canales is not ready to completely close the book on the former 2024 first-round pick.
Dave Canales challenges Xavier Legette ahead of a pivotal offseason
During his end-of-season press conference, Canales issued a pointed challenge to Legette, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment and attention to detail. The coach stressed that success in the NFL often hinges on small margins and capitalizing on limited opportunities.
“Just keep grinding, keep working, connecting with Bryce, making sure that they’re on the same page, making the plays when they come to him,” Canales said. “When you get opportunities in this league, the margins are so fine. It’s critical that when your number is called, you make the play. That’s how you build trust and get things back on track.”
The message was clear: Legette’s raw athleticism has never been questioned, but it has yet to translate consistently on the field. With Coker and McMillan flourishing, patience is running thin. If Legette doesn’t show meaningful improvement throughout the offseason and into the 2026 season, the Panthers may be forced to reconsider their investment.
Legette faces an uphill battle. McMillan already looks like a star, and Coker appears deserving of a long-term extension. Any addition at wide receiver through free agency or the draft would further complicate Legette’s path to relevance.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with him. Physical tools alone aren’t enough if production doesn’t follow. NFL teams remain loyal only until a better option emerges—and that reality is looming larger than ever for the No. 32 overall pick in 2024.
There’s no room for complacency anymore. Either Legette rises to the challenge, or the Panthers will move forward without him.