The Carolina Panthers saw a three-win improvement in the first season under Dave Canales. Despite seeing some gradual improvement, things were rough at certain points during the year.
After getting benched for five games in favor of Andy Dalton, Young was able to return to the field and showed major steps in his improvement.
Despite these steps, the Panthers offense needs more juice, especially in terms of pass catchers. NFL League Meetings happened in Florida last week and Canales was asked if the team needs a top-notch wide receiver. Instead of agreeing with that statement, he said the team already has one in Xavier Legette.
Panthers buzz at NFL owners meetings:
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 2, 2025
• Is the playmaking WR already on the roster?
• With Taylor Moton entering contract yr, CAR could consider OT at 8.
• Run D requires effort, and Dave Canales says Panthers didn’t have it last yr.
From Tuesday: https://t.co/W9pzQhFCmM
Dave Canales Believes Xavier Legette in a No. 1 WR
Canales said, "I think we’ve got that guy. I think it’s Xavier Legette, and I think it’s up to the coaches to just continue to develop him and let him grow at his pace."
The Panthers moved up from No. 33 to No. 32 in the 2024 NFL Draft to draft Legette. Despite showing some moments of good play, Legette struggled with drops in his rookie season. He had seven drops, a 7.1% drop rate, including a pivotal drop against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14.
Legette ranked second on the team in catches (49), receiving yards (497), and receiving touchdowns (4). While he has some intriguing skills, he isn't a No. 1 WR at this point in his career. The Panthers would be doing themselves and Young a disservice if they didn't bring in a true difference-maker as a pass catcher.
Tight end Tyler Warren is someone who isn't a WR but a true playmaker. He is an excellent run blocker while owning secure hands as a pass catcher. He is a battering ram in the open field with the football in his hands. Last season at Penn State, Warren had 104 catches for 1,233 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan would be another interesting option on offense with the No. 8 overall pick. McMillan thrives in contested catch situations (6-foot-4) while being a sound red zone threat. He also does a great job working back to his quarterback during broken plays. In his collegiate career, McMillan had 213 catches for 3,423 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns.
While no one knows how these guys will pan out in the NFL, the Panthers would be wise to add more difference-makers to the offense. Relying on Legette would be a risky decision, to say the least.