Panthers WR Xavier Legette makes NFL history for the wrong reason during disappointing outing against Arizona Cardinals

He’s been frustrating for fans so far.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) walks off the field after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images

Quarterbacks need trust incorporated in their offense. Just like their coaches with them, the starter must be able to expect that their teammates will be run the right place at the right time and help them out when necessary. For Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, the connection between him and one of his teammates on offense continues to hinder the team at times.

In Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, Xavier Legette, a first-round pick by the Panthers last year, had another disappointing outing. He finished the game with just one reception, but there is plenty more to unpack.

Xavier Legette’s struggles continue, and stats prove it

According to Benjamin Solak, Legette made some NFL history in a fashion that no player ever hopes to during their career. His one catch on eight targets (!!) actually hurt the offense in totality. He lost two yards on that play. The performance is only the second game in league history with negative yards on at least eight targets.

Young may begin to lack some trust in the young, big-bodied pass catcher. Against Arizona, Young was 1/7 when throwing to Legette. One of those attempts was intercepted, too. When the QB targeted the other receiving options in the passing game, he completed 34 of 42 attempts for 330 yards and three touchdowns. That difference is jarring.

Legette’s effort also came into question during the game when he did not hustle back to the line of scrimmage during two-minute offense. With just over a minute left in the first half and Carolina looking to score, he was late getting back to allow his unit to run the next play.

Legette’s production has proven to make him a non-factor for Carolina so far this season. After a rookie season with lackluster numbers, compared to other first-rounders, it is getting tougher and tougher to project much development ahead for the wideout. Legette totaled 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns last season.

The output was volatile, though, with not much consistency involved when it came to his effect on the passing offense. This year, it doesn’t seem like he will take the step forward that plenty of people were hoping for from him. Legette caught three passes for ten yards in Week 1.

Legette needs to prove quickly that he is still a young player that can make an impact for Carolina going forward. This season hasn’t gotten off to the start that anyone involved hope for, and there could be additional heat put on him by his coaching staff and teammates to step up. If the jump isn’t made by Legette, his role will have to go to a different player.

Related Articles