Xavier Legette: Everything you need to know

Legette is facing additional competition for snaps and targets after Carolina selected Chris Brazzell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports. Legette, a 2024 first-round pick, is coming off a disappointing Year 2 campaign in which he totaled just a 35-353-3 line (64 targets) across 15 regular-season appearances, lower totals than not only Tetairoa McMillan, the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, but also Jalen Coker, who logged just 11 regular-season appearances. As such, Legette projects as no better than the No. 3 WR for QB Bryce Young in 2026, though his role as a deep threat could be challenged by Brazzell, who boasts 4.37 speed and a 6-foot-4 frame. This offseason will be crucial for Legette, as his already-marginal fantasy value will take a steep hit if Brazzell is able to encroach on reps in three-wide sets alongside McMillan and Coker.

Legette caught one of four targets for eight yards during Saturday's 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams. Additionally, he recorded 44 kick return yards. The 2024 first-round pick from South Carolina was one of six Panthers to catch a pass from Bryce Young during Saturday's loss, finishing with the fifth-most receiving yards on the team. Across 15 regular-season appearances, Legette caught 35 of 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns, finishing the year as Carolina's third-leading receiver. Heading into his third season in the NFL, Legette likely will remain a depth option in the Panthers' receiving corps following the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker during the 2025 campaign.

Legette caught three of four targets for 22 yards during Saturday's 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers. Legette's three catches Saturday marked his highest total in a game since the Week 12 loss to the 49ers. The 2024 first-round pick had a costly drop in the first quarter that cost the Panthers a first down, but he was otherwise perfect the rest of the way. On the season, Legette caught 35 of 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns across 15 appearances. The Panthers now need the Falcons to beat the Saints during their Week 18 clash to force a three-way tie for the NFC South title. In that scenario, Carolina would hold the tiebreaker and host a wild-card playoff game.