When the Carolina Panthers selected Tennessee Vols wide receiver Chris Brazzell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, most folks assumed it meant bad news for third-year wide receiver Xavier Legette.

Legette, a first-round pick by the Panthers in 2024, hasn’t lived up to expectations during his first two seasons in Carolina. And the selection of Brazzell seemed to indicate that the team is running out of patience with the former South Carolina standout.

And while that may have been the case in April when Carolina drafted Brazzell, Legette is determined to not let his role with the Panthers slip away just because there’s a new guy in town.

Xavier Legette is attacking the offseason with purpose in Carolina

The Panthers’ decision to draft Brazzell has apparently lit a fire under Legette this offseason.

“When the Panthers drafted Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell in the third round this year, some thought it spelled the end of the line for Xavier Legette in Charlotte,” noted The Athletic’s Joe Person this week. “… But teammates and coaches indicated Legette might be figuring out some things after struggling with drops and other ‘mishaps’ his first two seasons. And (Bryce) Young said he’s now having ‘next-level conversations’ with Legette about routes, play concepts and coverages.”

“From the minute he’s gotten here, he’s 100 miles an hour,” said Panthers head coach Dave Canales (via The Athletic). “He’s putting in the time in the playbook. He’s busting his butt on the field, working on little technical skills.”

Competition makes everyone better, so Legette’s renewed focus is probably a good thing for Brazzell. After all, both players will find their way onto the field if they’re producing.

And Brazzell, to his credit, has had a terrific offseason as he prepares for his first season in the NFL.