Panthers And Steelers Could Connect On Trade For Former 1st Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the hunt for reliable wide receivers for quite some time now. They have not been able to figure out the position since the team traded Diontae Johnson after the 2023 season. For two straight years, Calvin Austin III has arguably been the Steelers' number two option at wideout. Though Austin is not a bad player, he's hasn't been consistent in that role. The Steelers are likely to target a wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft to address this issue. They'll have an opportunity to draft their next franchise receiver in front of their home crowd as the event will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, but there is one receiver that could be on the market that could use a serious change of scenery this offseason. 

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette is a name the Steelers could look to call about. Legette was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the former South Carolina Gamecocks star hasn't lived up to expectations so far at the pro level. In two seasons, Legette has just 84 catches for 860 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had seven drops as a rookie, but only two in 2025. Coming out of South Carolina, Legette was seen as a downfield threat with strong contested-catch ability. He was a late bloomer in college, not breaking out until his senior year. 

Legette, in his first season, was in an unfortunate situation. His quarterback, Bryce Young, had a horrendous season, getting benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton midway through the year. He was in a less-than-ideal wide receiver room as well with 34-year-old Adam Thielen being the only other true threat on the team. Diontae Johnson only played seven games for the team before being traded. 

The Panthers drafted the Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan. This was not only to bolster their depleted receiver room, but to make Young and Legette's lives easier. While this pick certainly helped Young, Legette's stats regressed. His role in the offense grew smaller as the season went on. Legette is likely never going to blossom with the Panthers, a change of scenery could make all the difference for the former first-round pick. 

The Steelers could certainly use Legette. He'd be coming to a very good offensive system with Head Coach Mike McCarthy calling the plays, but McCarthy isn't the only coach that could help Legette blossom -- Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio is a pretty good coach himself. Angelichio has gotten solid play out of the likes of KJ Osborn and Jalen Nailor. If Legette were to find his way to the Steel City, he'd be in good hands. 

Steelers Trading For Legette Would Be Low Risk Move

As previously mentioned, the Steelers are likely to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the upcoming draft. The room should be much improved from last season. Teams won't be able to just zero in on one guy. Adding Legette to that list could be super beneficial for him and the Steelers. General Manager Omar Khan should due his due diligence on the young wideout.

The Steelers would not have to give any premium draft capital to aquire Legette. They can afford to send one later-round pick away for a receiver in need of a fresh start. Legette has two years left on his deal, as well as a possible fifth-year option. This move would not be a rental. There is no reason the Steelers shouldn't take a swing on the big receiver, he has the size and speed to be a solid player. 

What do you think? Should the Steelers take a swing on Legette? Are there any other receivers on the trade market you think the Steelers should target? Let us know in the comments.

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