Panthers’ Xavier Legette catching praise from coach Dave Canales originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers‘ Xavier Legette worked his way downfield and calmly settled in the middle of three defensive backs. Quarterback Bryce Young, sidestepping the initial wave of a no-contact pass rush during NFL mandatory minicamp drills Tuesday, took advantage of the extra time and delivered an accurate downfield pass to the often-criticized wide receiver.
The 2024 first-round draft pick reached out and pulled in the reception. When the defensive backs backed off after bumping Legette, the former South Carolina standout jogged into the end zone.
Several times this offseason, Panthers coach Dave Canales highlighted what he described as Legette’s “transformation.” After collecting 84 receptions during his first two seasons, NFL pundits pointed to his 148 targets and wondered why the 6-foot-3, 227-pounder hadn’t produced more.
Canales came to his defense during Tuesday’s press conference at Bank of America Stadium.
With trade rumors circulating, the third-year coach deflected a question on whether 2026 would prove to be a “make-or-break” campaign for Legette.
“I think it’s a make-or-break year for all of us, every year and Xavier has worked that way,” said Canales, who was recovering from a recent cancer scare. “From the minute he’s gotten here, he’s 100 miles an hour. He’s putting in the time in the playbook, he’s busting his butt on the field, working on little technical skills.
“We had great meetings going out of the season, great meetings when he came back in April. Talked about his plan and the things he’s working on and all that. He’s just aware of all the things he needs to continue to improve upon to be the player that we know he can be, and that he knows he can be.”
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