Former South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette didn’t have to travel far when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers as the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Legette was one of the top receivers for South Carolina, finishing his last season with 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns.

In his rookie season with the Panthers, Legette’s performance has been inconsistent, partly due to the team’s quarterback situation. Carolina started the season with Bryce Young, a former Alabama quarterback hoping to bounce back from a rough rookie year, but progress has been elusive.

The Panthers opted to switch to veteran Andy Dalton, which showed some promise initially, but that momentum faded. After Dalton was involved in a car accident before Week 8, Young resumed his role as starting quarterback.

Despite the challenges, Legette has managed to contribute with 22 receptions for 211 yards and three touchdowns, ranking as the Panthers’ second-leading receiver in targets and catches behind Diontae Johnson.

Recently, the Panthers traded Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens to join MVP Lamar Jackson. With Johnson gone and veteran Adam Thielen sidelined due to injury, Legette is poised to take on the role of the Panthers’ top receiver. This presents a significant opportunity for him to establish himself in the league, but the team still needs to resolve their quarterback situation to support Legette’s development in the NFL.