The Carolina Panthers lost a heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, and this finish could lead to an offseason Xavier Legette trade. Selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product was supposed to be a big-bodied, athletic receiver who could use his unique physical gifts to be Bryce Young’s top option for years to come.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. Legette fell down the depth chart in 2025, finishing the season with just 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He didn’t get any better in the playoffs, as he hauled in just one of his four targets for eight yards. By comparison, undrafted free agent Jalen Coker finished the night with nine receptions for 134 yards and one touchdown.
Panthers Could Trade Xavier Legette Following Playoff Loss
With Coker proving himself as a legitimate threat and first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan becoming the second rookie in team history to reach 1,000 receiving yards, it’s hard to see where Legette fits into the picture. Barring an injury, he won’t be anything more than the third option in the passing attack, and there’s a chance a different organization could get more out of the 24-year-old. If the Panthers make Xavier Legette available for trade, look for the following three team to try and make a move.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – Imagn Images
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers slinging the ball to D.K. Metcalf. While both players proved they’ve still got something left in their tank, they’re both on the older side – especially Rodgers. Even if the four-time MVP returns for the 2026 season, Pittsburgh needs to think of ways to get younger, and a Xavier Legette trade could be the right move to make.
While Legette hasn’t lived up to his draft capital with the Panthers, a team like Pittsburgh might be able to get the most out of him. The Steelers are the best in the league at developing wide receivers, and nobody can deny Legette’s raw talent.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs may need to embrace a mini-rebuild. While they weren’t as bad as their 6-11 record would suggest, this team still needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and figure out how to get back in the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL injury and probably won’t look like himself early in the year, so the Chiefs must add receiving talent to make his return as easy as possible.
First-round pick Xavier Worthy looks like a bust, and veteran Rashee Rice simply cannot stay out of trouble. Kansas City effectively chose Worthy over Xavier Legette in 2025, but they could rectify that decision with a trade.
1. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills desperately need help at the wide receiver position, and a Xavier Legette trade could be just what the doctor ordered. While Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid are solid weapons, they’re not game-changing talents, and the rest of the depth chart doesn’t bring anything to the table. Second-round pick Keon Coleman is routinely a healthy scratch, and guys like Justin Palmer and Gabe Davis are nothing more than unremarkable veterans.
Xavier Legette may or may not be a starting-caliber receiver in this league, but the trade target offers far more upside than anyone on this depth chart. He shouldn’t have to fight for playing time, and his physical gifts, combined with Josh Allen’s rocket arm, could be a lethal combination.
