Panthers WR Xavier Legette named potential trade candidate for 2026 offseason

[strato]

I would prefer to keep him and hope he learns about two feet down in bonds and can focus better. And work his way back onto the field, if he can. 

He is running by people a lot of times in that video and made some really good catches early in the season. Plus he didn’t drop everything, he improved that. 
His money is relatively chicken feed and we pay it if he is here or gone. He is been paid for depth at the worst.  
 

 

Edited April 12 by strato

[LinvilleGorge]

His trade value has to be practically nothing. Unless he's a lockerroom problem I'd rather bring him to camp and give him another chance to show something than trade him for a conditional late rounder or something like that. 

[PootieNunu]

4 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

His trade value has to be practically nothing. Unless he's a lockerroom problem I'd rather bring him to camp and give him another chance to show something than trade him for a conditional late rounder or something like that. 

Seems like a good team mate , we have seen him take the top off a couple times. He just isn't the number 1 wr they thought they were drafting.

Should be fine as a 3 or 4.

[Chief Keek]

He should get one more season to see if he develops. If not, they should trade him in the 2027 offseason.

[AceMan]

 

7 hours ago, strato said:

Saw what I think is a good video on Legette. Didn’t want to make a new topic. And he hasn’t been traded, yet.
Putting it here. 
This guy is pretty unbiased on it I think. 
 

 

Looking at this video and a reddit post of all TMac’s routes this past season….XL is gone before training camp.

https://www.reddit.com/r/panthers/s/BvqlEtxVUS
 

I’m pretty sure Dan and the staff are looking at this from PFF;

https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-a-personnel-adjusted-analysis-of-the-2026-wide-receiver-class
 

Another thing noted in this article 

• In 2024, Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman and Xavier Legette were the names of concern with this metric.

 

[frankw]

5 hours ago, BeenPounding said:

Brooks was a total freak accident.  I still think he has great football in front of him.  XL is a tough call.  I think Mingo just didn't have it.  XL, hopefully, just got a big head and did not take himself seriously during his first off-season.  If he has learned after last year's struggles that's a bonus. 

I wouldn't be past keeping XL for the next two years AND drafting another WR this year.  Only owing 4.4 million over two years is a bargain compared to signing a free agent.  He may not get a jersey this year on game days.

If we don't go WR in the first round I wouldn't opposed to looking at Elijah Sarratt, Germie Bernard, or Antonio Williams in the second or trade up from 83.

If you draft a guy who is healthy and has no concerns about that whatsoever and he goes out and tears his ACL in his first few games in the regular season on a physical play that's a freak accident. But when you trade up to draft an RB who is already rehabbing from a recent ACL tear and he spends the next several months continuing his rehab only to tear the same ACL again after less than a handful of regular season carries in a non contact circumstance that is no freak accident. That is a textbook example of why you do not do what we did. Particularly for what is now a plug and play position. And when you have the highest paid OL in the league over the next two years. None of that makes any logical sense. Legitimately it is and was some Scott Fitterer type foolishness.

Now as for XL. The guy has not been committed to his craft. I think anyone with eyes on the situation can and would recognize that. However the warning signs were there. One season of legit production raw prospect that we knew would take time to develop etc. But Morgan and Bryce Young's own father were very high on him. I think in some capacity the reality of our limitation at QB is entering into the equation. Even TMac got a lot of flak over the course of his rookie season for not being able to haul in all of Bryce's passes. At the end of the day our fourth year QB also needs to do his part to maximize the talent we have available.

As far as this year. Again. WR round 1 boils down to where are we going to get the touches for the rookie? That would require eating into not only our 8th overall picks touches but also our #2 WR whom oh yeah by the way was UNDRAFTED. I am happy to discuss WR prospects here. I was thrilled we invested what we did last year in TMac because it needed to be done and it made sense from all angles. But nowhere is it written in stone that you cannot draft a good or great WR outside of the first round. Except in the Panthers building apparently. That is not a good reflection on our scouts and front office let me tell ya. Because there's no way on this earth we are going to get back to relevancy and legitimate contender status if we can't pick some gems in the later rounds. Simple and plain.

Edited April 12 by frankw

[TD alt]

7 hours ago, frankw said:

Then Dan Morgan should be on the hot seat. Wasting a first and second rounder in a pivotal year is unforgivable.

Meh, it happens. It was his first draft. And the story for JB hasn't even begun yet. He was largely considered a three-round back that some said was better than Bijan. If he has another serious injury this season, then he may be a "wasted" pick. He still has the potential to be an exceptional back if he can get on the field and stay on it.

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, frankw said:

If you draft a guy who is healthy and has no concerns about that whatsoever and he goes out and tears his ACL in his first few games in the regular season on a physical play that's a freak accident. But when you trade up to draft an RB who is already rehabbing from a recent ACL tear and he spends the next several months continuing his rehab only to tear the same ACL again after less than a handful of regular season carries in a non contact circumstance that is no freak accident. That is a textbook example of why you do not do what we did. Particularly for what is now a plug and play position. And when you have the highest paid OL in the league over the next two years. None of that makes any logical sense. Legitimately it is and was some Scott Fitterer type foolishness.

Now as for XL. The guy has not been committed to his craft. I think anyone with eyes on the situation can and would recognize that. However the warning signs were there. One season of legit production raw prospect that we knew would take time to develop etc. But Morgan and Bryce Young's own father were very high on him. I think in some capacity the reality of our limitation at QB is entering into the equation. Even TMac got a lot of flak over the course of his rookie season for not being able to haul in all of Bryce's passes. At the end of the day our fourth year QB also needs to do his part to maximize the talent we have available.

As far as this year. Again. WR round 1 boils down to where are we going to get the touches for the rookie? That would require eating into not only our 8th overall picks touches but also our #2 WR whom oh yeah by the way was UNDRAFTED. I am happy to discuss WR prospects here. I was thrilled we invested what we did last year in TMac because it needed to be done and it made sense from all angles. But nowhere is it written in stone that you cannot draft a good or great WR outside of the first round. Except in the Panthers building apparently. That is not a good reflection on our scouts and front office let me tell ya. Because there's no way on this earth we are going to get back to relevancy and legitimate contender status if we can't pick some gems in the later rounds. Simple and plain.

I love the bottom feeding approach.  Not to say I was the only one, but I was screaming to draft Coker and then screaming to get him in here as an UDFA.  There were criticisms about him, etc.  As a Gamecock baby (Dad was a Tight End for them when I was born) I was against Legette.  I wanted the kid from Georgia.   All that to say this:  I am afraid of drafting a WR (I spent some time today researching) a few of the top names:

1. Jordan Tyson.  MCL, ACL, NHL---he has injured everything he could that ends in "L" and some things not related to his body.  He will drop, and everyone will start getting excited around 15.   NO! take him off the board.

2. KC Concepcion.  I want to like him, but is he not John Metchie III II?  I can't stand drops. To me, the most important characteristic for a receiver is hands.  I do not buy the "He can be taught."  I disagree to a degree.  Catching a football at a high level when you are being hit by someone behind you as you run full speed across the field is more about concentration and focus than anything else. You gotta trust your eyes, your instincts, and your QB.  Hard to teach someone not to fear something that hits you that you cannot see.  Dropping passes gets into your head--that makes you second guess yourself.  if it doesn't, it should.  Either way, it is a mental issue.  

3. Omar Cooper.  I like him enough, but at 19? No.  He is a good YAC guy with solid hands.  However, he had a good WR across from him, the best QB in the country, a pretty easy schedule (He had his best games against FCS schools) and I wonder how much of the route tree he ran.  I am torn, not sold.  Of the three just mentioned, he has the worst skillset but I would like him the best as our Z.

Who then, do I want, you ask?

If it has to be WR, trade back.  If you can't, draft the slow guy who can't get a good release. 

1.  Denzel Boston.   If it has to be a WR at 19, I think I would take Denzel Boston.  His biggest criticism is the release (and 40 speed) but he had great hands and runs good routes. as the Z, which is what we need, he would be perfect because he could motion toward the LOS and even when on the LOS, he is off the ball. 

Lets do some bottom fishing in Coker Lake:

Round 2: Ted Hurst.  He is a model Z WR for this offense.  Drops too many balls to my liking, but as a second rounder, I can tolerate that a bit more than a first rounder. 

Round 5: Kendrick Law (UK):  This is the guy I am most comfortable drafting.  His average route at KY was under 4 yards.  He is great at running after the catch.  Stats? don't look at the game stats--look at the measurables. A 42-inch vertical, a 10-foot-8 broad jump, and a 9.60 Relative Athletic Score place him among the most explosive receivers in this class. That kind of lower-body power, paired with his balance through contact and proven ability to generate yards after the catch, gives him a real foundation to develop beyond what Kentucky asked of him.

I think they were considering drafting a WR in the first round.  I get it, but as with the tackles in round 1, "Buyer Beware."  I have not given up on XL but I am very concerned that his mind is not right for the NFL. 

Edited April 12 by MHS831

[frankw]

47 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I love the bottom feeding approach.  Not to say I was the only one, but I was screaming to draft Coker and then screaming to get him in here as an UDFA.  There were criticisms about him, etc.  As a Gamecock baby (Dad was a Tight End for them when I was born) I was against Legette.  I wanted the kid from Georgia.   All that to say this:  I am afraid of drafting a WR (I spent some time today researching) a few of the top names:

1. Jordan Tyson.  MCL, ACL, NHL---he has injured everything he could that ends in "L" and some things not related to his body.  He will drop, and everyone will start getting excited around 15.   NO! take him off the board.

2. KC Concepcion.  I want to like him, but is he not John Metchie III II?  I can't stand drops. To me, the most important characteristic for a receiver is hands.  I do not buy the "He can be taught."  I disagree to a degree.  Catching a football at a high level when you are being hit by someone behind you as you run full speed across the field is more about concentration and focus than anything else. You gotta trust your eyes, your instincts, and your QB.  Hard to teach someone not to fear something that hits you that you cannot see.  Dropping passes gets into your head--that makes you second guess yourself.  if it doesn't, it should.  Either way, it is a mental issue.  

3. Omar Cooper.  I like him enough, but at 19? No.  He is a good YAC guy with solid hands.  However, he had a good WR across from him, the best QB in the country, a pretty easy schedule (He had his best games against FCS schools) and I wonder how much of the route tree he ran.  I am torn, not sold.  Of the three just mentioned, he has the worst skillset but I would like him the best as our Z.

Who then, do I want, you ask?

If it has to be WR, trade back.  If you can't, draft the slow guy who can't get a good release. 

1.  Denzel Boston.   If it has to be a WR at 19, I think I would take Denzel Boston.  His biggest criticism is the release (and 40 speed) but he had great hands and runs good routes. as the Z, which is what we need, he would be perfect because he could motion toward the LOS and even when on the LOS, he is off the ball. 

Lets do some bottom fishing in Coker Lake:

Round 2: Ted Hurst.  He is a model Z WR for this offense.  Drops too many balls to my liking, but as a second rounder, I can tolerate that a bit more than a first rounder. 

Round 5: Kendrick Law (UK):  This is the guy I am most comfortable drafting.  His average route at KY was under 4 yards.  He is great at running after the catch.  Stats? don't look at the game stats--look at the measurables. A 42-inch vertical, a 10-foot-8 broad jump, and a 9.60 Relative Athletic Score place him among the most explosive receivers in this class. That kind of lower-body power, paired with his balance through contact and proven ability to generate yards after the catch, gives him a real foundation to develop beyond what Kentucky asked of him.

I think they were considering drafting a WR in the first round.  I get it, but as with the tackles in round 1, "Buyer Beware."  I have not given up on XL but I am very concerned that his mind is not right for the NFL. 

Yeah from a scouting standpoint we absolutely need to change gears to prioritizing hands and route running.

If there was ever a time to trade back this is the draft to do it I agree. That should be firmly on the table. But don't take a deal just to take one.

I like where you're heading regarding addressing the WR position and the prospects. It just needs to be done so intelligently not reactively. We must begin operating like other competent franchises regarding the draft going forward.

XL is a 50/50 situation right now. He either gets his head in the game or he doesn't. I've said all along we should look to add a WR I just in no way see it as a first round or nothing situation that's just absurd. We'll see what happens though.

[Basbear]

31 minutes ago, frankw said:

Yeah from a scouting standpoint we absolutely need to change gears to prioritizing hands and route running.

If there was ever a time to trade back this is the draft to do it I agree. That should be firmly on the table. But don't take a deal just to take one.

I like where you're heading regarding addressing the WR position and the prospects. It just needs to be done so intelligently not reactively. We must begin operating like other competent franchises regarding the draft going forward.

XL is a 50/50 situation right now. He either gets his head in the game or he doesn't. I've said all along we should look to add a WR I just in no way see it as a first round or nothing situation that's just absurd. We'll see what happens though.

 

Honestly this feels like a coaching problem. They have a certain "type" with "flaws" that they believe can be coached, the issue is mingo, XL, and others have not took to this "coaching". I thought the one group panthers would excel in would be WR, given Dave, brad, and Moore backgrounds( WR coach was a solid NFL WR). Just a wealth of WR coaching, but........

I also feel BYs confidence in XL is one of the main issue, its their relationship. I think BY trust the following- tremble, Tmac, Coker and that's all(maybe new Metchie) . There was a vid and XL and BY were repping together. I do feel if you put XL with about any of the top QB, you'd see some good numbers at times and you'd see a NFL WR. 

[frankw]

10 minutes ago, Basbear said:

 

Honestly this feels like a coaching problem. They have a certain "type" with "flaws" that they believe can be coached, the issue is mingo, XL, and others have not took to this "coaching". I thought the one group panthers would excel in would be WR, given Dave, brad, and Moore backgrounds( WR coach was a solid NFL WR). Just a wealth of WR coaching, but........

I also feel BYs confidence in XL is one of the main issue, its their relationship. I think BY trust the following- tremble, Tmac, Coker and that's all(maybe new Metchie) . There was a vid and XL and BY were repping together. I do feel if you put XL with about any of the top QB, you'd see some good numbers at times and you'd see a NFL WR. 

I mean XL Mingo and TMJ are all basically the same WR and two of those were before Canales so it sounds to me like a Dan Morgan problem.

[csx]

12 minutes ago, Basbear said:

 

Honestly this feels like a coaching problem. They have a certain "type" with "flaws" that they believe can be coached, the issue is mingo, XL, and others have not took to this "coaching". I thought the one group panthers would excel in would be WR, given Dave, brad, and Moore backgrounds( WR coach was a solid NFL WR). Just a wealth of WR coaching, but........

I also feel BYs confidence in XL is one of the main issue, its their relationship. I think BY trust the following- tremble, Tmac, Coker and that's all(maybe new Metchie) . There was a vid and XL and BY were repping together. I do feel if you put XL with about any of the top QB, you'd see some good numbers at times and you'd see a NFL WR. 

Only XL can be attributed to this coaching staff.

Edited April 12 by csx

[TD alt]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

2. KC Concepcion.  I want to like him, but is he not John Metchie III II?  

Putting aside the obviously different playing speed and ability to separate by simply looking at them play, to put it bluntly, do these two profiles sound anything alike?

In short, Metchie is kinda meh and Concepcion has juice.

Believe it or not, sometimes the juice is worth the squeeze. 

Many analysts, including Reception Perception's Matt Harmon, thinks it is in Concepcion's case.

[csx]

2 minutes ago, frankw said:

I mean XL Mingo and TMJ are all basically the same WR and two of those were before Canales so it sounds to me like a Dan 

Dan didnt scout WR or make draft decisions before he was the GM. Only XL can be attributed to Morgan.