Xavier Legette has Heard the Noise!
After a lackluster rookie year that yielded no exceptional results or eye-grasping plays, a lot of attention was on Xavier Legette coming into the 2025-2026 season with the Carolina Panthers. Catching 46 passes for 497 yards and 4 TDs, the 32nd pick in the 2024 NFL draft didn’t have a horrible season, but definitely wished he could have had a more productive season, with the offensive struggles, injuries, and a simple scheme not being the most helpful. The Carolina Panthers had high hopes ever since they saw the South Carolina native breaking open defenses in college, but the breakaway speed was yet to show off after weeks 1 and 2 for the Panthers. It was looking like a repeat of last year, no separation, boring and lazy routes, drops, and missed blocks had the WR under a lot of scrutiny. Through weeks 1&2 he managed 4 catches on 15 targets for 8 yards, including a -2 yard game against Arizona that saw him lose some snaps to rookie WR and practice squad promoted Jimmy Horn Jr. Going into the week 3 Matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Legette was spirling quickly into a bad situation and with young WR’s playing good behind him and the thought of Jalen Coker coming back from IR he had reason to worry. He heard it, and when he was in the endzone, he knew this was his moment, hitting a goal line fade, he had a step, and made the extending grab. After getting his first touchdown of this season, the WR's confidence had soared. He had a quiet game the next week against Dallas, but then New York was in his sights.
9 catches, 92 yards, and a Touchdown, that's what he did in NY, catching the only touchdown of the game as well, despite QB1 Bryce Young going out due to injury on a high ankle sprain. In the weeks to come, do not be surprised if XL17 continues to make improving strides. Even with Bryce missing time, Legette has run many routes with backup QB Andy Dalton in practice, and the pair have a strong comfort level with each other. The ceiling is high, and hopes of Legette making improvements into being a true WR1 for Panthers fans should stand true!
