In the months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, many analysts thought there was a chance that the Carolina Panthers could draft a wide receiver in the first round for the third consecutive year. Heck, even Panthers general manager Dan Morgan admitted the team was set to select a pass-catcher first.
Ultimately, the Panthers did not select a receiver at No. 19, instead choosing Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. However, the Panthers returned to the receiver position with their third pick, taking Tennessee tight end Chris Brazell with the 83rd overall selection in the third round. Brazell is expected to get playing time as a rookie, leading to the departure of another recent top player in Carolina.
recently, athleticJoseph Persson suggested that Xavier Leggett could emerge as a "potential trade candidate" this fall.
"It was easy to see the Panthers' selection of Tetaroa McMillan with the eighth pick last year as an indictment of Leggett, who has struggled with drops, field awareness and general inconsistency. While McMillan was on his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Jalen Coker was replacing Leggett as the WR2. Leggett's situation hasn't changed that much with the addition of Brazell. If he can clean up a few things with this If his development has slowed, he will be in the WR rotation. If not, he won't - and will become a potential trade candidate.
Joseph Persson on Xavier Legate
The Panthers made Leggett the 32nd overall pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft. He started 13 of his 16 appearances as a rookie, recording 49 receptions on 84 targets for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was not able to increase those numbers in Year 2. Leggett started 12 of his 15 appearances, recording 35 receptions on 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
Now heading into the third season of a four-year contract that can extend to a fifth season with a team option, Leggett risks falling behind on the depth chart in Carolina. Tate McMillan is top dog. Last year's undrafted signee Jalen Coker recorded more yards despite playing in four fewer games and seeing 21 fewer targets. Additionally, the Panthers have now added Brazell.
In other words, the Panthers are likely ready to deal Leggett, who is just 25 years old. He should be able to get a third-day draft pick, but are the Panthers willing to give him up for such a low return? If Leggett doesn't show development in the team's minicamp, he may very well be gone.
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