Former Pro Bowl receiver plans to help Panthers’ Xavier Legette get back on track ahead of a make-or-break season
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson plans to work with the Carolina Panthers former first-round pick this offseason.
The Carolina Panthers earned a lot of attention during the 2025-26 season after backing their way into the playoffs with an NFC South title but still giving the Los Angeles Rams a respectable fight during the NFC wild card game.
As a result, people from the outside are recognizing the tangible growth this team is having across the board and would be more willing to be a part of what the Panthers are building.
However, there’s one player in particular that struggled to take his game to that next level this past season but he’s expected to get some help this offseason ahead of a make-or-break season.
Xavier Legette plans to train with a legendary WR this offseason
Former first-round pick Xavier Legette had a frustrating second season with the Panthers and was overshadowed by 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan, who quickly became the team’s top option in the passing game en route to an Offensive Rookie of the Year season.
Legette’s numbers dropped across the board compared to his rookie season but the talent and potential is still there. And it’s something that six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson plans to bring out of Legette this offseason.
“He’s going to be alright, he’s coming to see me this offseason,” Johnson told Sheena Quick. ” I guarantee you he’s going to be alright. He’s special. He just needs someone to unlock the ‘special’ that I can see from far away.”
Sometimes, getting some offseason support from a former elite player is exactly the kind of guidance a young player needs to turn his career around. It’s something Johnson has offered to other young receivers in the past and he seems excited to be able to work with Legette.
“I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes that he already trains with,” Johnson added. “I just need him for a month… XL and [Buffalo Bills WR] Keon Coleman, I need those two. Because there’s something in them that is untapped potential and I can see it from afar. They can be special and change everything about their game and I want them to go into this offseason, when they go back, with the mindset of ‘how can I make everyone else’s job around me easy because all my [expletive] is together.’ Simple.”
This could be exactly what Legette needs to fine-tune his skills going into his third season with the Panthers and it’s clear the team still has a lot of faith in him turning things around.
Panthers already have a lot of belief in Legette going into his third NFL season
“He’s just made of the right stuff,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said of Legette. “I have full faith and confidence that Xavier will bounce back and have an excellent year next year.”
All season long, Canales has been Legette’s number one supporter and made sure to use Legette’s mistakes throughout the season as learning moments. Even during his time at South Carolina, Legette was a late bloomer and the Panthers knew it would take time for him to blossom. In the meantime, Legette’s continued to show he’s eager to learn and put in the work.
“The thing I respect about Xavier is that through this process, all he’s done is work,” Canales added. “All he’s done is just continue to try to find ways; ‘How can I help?’ He continued to block, and he continued to be available.’”
This will be a big offseason for Legette to put his head down and grind, whether that’s with Ochocinco or working with quarterback Bryce Young away from the team facilities. If that work pays off and Legette can hit his groove next season, the Panthers will have a really strong WR trio with him, McMillan, and Jalen Coker to work with.
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