The Carolina Panthers are at a crossroads right now entering Week 4.
The team had a ton of momentum after a big win in Week 2, but a Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns ruined that. As a result, the team really needs to win in Week 4 considering how tough their schedule is.
The problem is, the team is dealing with a ton of injuries. Starting corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson were both added to injured reserve this week, and that’s without even mentioning the rest of the injuries.
The wide receiver room is another area that’s been banged up. Xavier Legette didn’t play in Week 3, and Jalen Coker left the game early. Now, both receivers are at risk of missing Week 4, and it’s not like this room is deep to begin with.
On paper, Legette seems like a perfect trade candidate. The former first-round pick has never come close to living up to his draft status, so a change of scenery could be best for all parties involved.
However, because of those injuries, the Panthers cannot afford to give up on Legette right now.
Panthers Need Legette to Stick Around and Step Up
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Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently floated some realistic trade candidates. Legette was listed as one of these players, with Knox listing the Chiefs and Eagles as realistic landing spots.
“Legette may simply not be cut out to be a true No. 1 receiver, but he could still establish himself as a high-end complementary target,” Knox explained. “He should hope to land with a potent passing offense that would make use of his 4.39 speed, 6’1″, 220-pound frame, and physical playing style.”
As Knox mentioned, Legette has never come close to being a WR1, so he might just be a better fit in a different offense. On a team like the Chiefs or Eagles, Legette could be a complementary option and would face much less pressure.
The Panthers know Legette has been disappointing, but at this point, they just need bodies. Tet McMillan and Coker are a great one-two punch at the top, but who else in the room can you count on? When Legette has big games (which admittedly isn’t often), the Panthers usually win.
Plus, what would the Panthers even get in return? It obviously wouldn’t be a first or second-round pick, so what’s the point? Personally, I’d rather have receiver depth than a late-round pick. Perhaps if the Panthers keep losing games and the season gets away from them, then this trade would make more sense.
