After a successful 2025 NFL season that saw the Carolina Panthers reach the playoffs, the rising organization will look to build on the run heading into the upcoming season.

This offseason, the front office did an excellent job of acquiring key playmakers to help their efforts in 2026. But with all the newest additions to the roster, it’s clear that the franchise could look to move off some of its underperforming players before Week One.

In a recent article discussing the possible trade candidates this offseason, NFL writer Logan Ulrich claimed that the Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick, Xavier Legette, is still a potential trade or cut candidate for the organization.

“Legette has slipped down the depth chart and now faces competition from an even freakier athlete, third-round WR Chris Brazzell II,” Ulrich wrote. “Carolina moved on from underperforming WR Jonathan Mingo a couple of years ago and could try to run that play again this preseason if Legette doesn’t step up.”

After being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s safe to say that Legette has failed to reach expectations throughout his first two seasons with the Panthers.

Legette, who was known for his unique yards-after-the-catch ability at South Carolina, was expected to fill a Deebo Samuel-esque role for Carolina under head coach Dave Canales. Unfortunately for the young playmaker, he struggled with the organization as a rookie, finishing the 2024 campaign with 497 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 49 receptions. This led to general manager Dan Morgan selecting Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With McMillan quickly becoming quarterback Bryce Young’s favorite target on offense last season, Legette’s role dramatically diminished throughout the course of the year. And with 2024 UDFA Jalen Coker returning to the field midway through the season, Legette would end his second year with 363 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 35 receptions.

Now, with the arrival of 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II this offseason, it’s clear that Legette’s future outlook in Carolina remains grim. The 25-year-old wideout could be a solid depth piece for the Panthers in 2026 if the team ends up dealing with injuries, but if Morgan receives an offer for Legette, he should not hesitate to move off him this offseason.

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