The NFL career of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette hasn't gone too great thus far.
Legette had a promising but inconsistent rookie season, followed by an atrocious second year. Now, he's dropped to the third spot at his position—and he might have been fourth had 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II not suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.
As frustrating as his performance has been so far, the former first-rounder still has excellent athleticism and physical tools that could help him thrive—and it sounds like he may get a chance to show he has value in a new role.
Per the team's unofficial depth chart for the Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Legette is listed as the No. 2 returner for kickoffs and
punts. Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith was asked about that placement on Thursday morning.
"Against most teams we feel most comfortable having two guys back there, so that's what we have listed," Smith told reporters. "Xavier has the most experience of the guys on the team so far. So we'll see what shows up on game day. No need to make an official announcement on that.
"Xavier is an excellent blocker when he's back there. He's a very strong runner. He had great returns at South Carolina and for us. He had a long return against the Eagles a couple years ago."
The top kick returner and punt returner spots are occupied by wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.—who is, perhaps by far, the team's best option at either spot. However, teams can't control where their opponents kick—and two returners in now the norm since the league implemented new dynamic kickoff rules at the start of the 2024 season.
For what it's worth, Smith is correct that Legette showed promise in this area at South Carolina, where he returned 29 kicks for 767 yards and one touchdown. Legette also returned four kicks in his rookie season with the Panthers, totaling 102 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: WR Xavier Legette may get a new chance in a different role for Panthers
