With a 0-2 record and shoddy performances at best, the Carolina Panthers have clearly stumbled out of the gates this season. And understandably, one of the franchise’s most iconic figures is not pleased with what he’s seeing from one of their young wideouts.
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Cam Newton, the 2015 MVP and face of the Panthers for a decade, sent a pointed message to 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, urging him to worry less about style and more about substance.
Legette, who spent much of the offseason posting videos of his training drills and showboating highlights, has endured a rough start to his sophomore campaign. His stats from the two games provided enough ammo for Newton to fire.
“That little mixtape that you just created ain’t gon’ guarantee you a thousand yards,” Newton said bluntly on a recent edition of 4th&1, before adding, “Xavier… never mind with the Glorilla music video. Lock in. Keep the main thing, the main thing. Your time is ticking.”
Newton’s point was that flash doesn’t matter if it doesn’t translate to victories on Sundays. To make his point, he contrasted Legette’s approach with established stars like Davante Adams, whom he called “a swordsman, when it comes to route running.” Newton stressed that the best receivers focus on fundamentals and understanding what their quarterback expects.
Cam CHECKS Caleb’s Priorities, Legette’s Development DISASTER & the Arch Illusion
New episode out now!
: https://t.co/VxJewvqxTV pic.twitter.com/Di56D5KYSK
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) September 19, 2025
On the contrary, the connection between the Panthers’ WR and quarterback Bryce Young seems all but non-existent. Through two games, Legette has caught just four passes for eight yards. This includes the outing against the Arizona Cardinals, where he became the first wide receiver in NFL history to record negative receiving yards (-2) on eight or more targets.
Even Legette’s catch rate sits at just 26.7%. That ranks him near the bottom of all qualified pass catchers. By contrast, rookie Tetairoa McMillan, taken with the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, has already emerged as the team’s de facto WR1 with 168 yards and a 57.9% catch rate. The statistical disparity highlights Legette’s struggles.
Still, expectations remain. Legette was taken 32nd overall in 2024. The Panthers envisioned him as a cornerstone for Bryce Young’s offense. That hasn’t changed, at least publicly, with coaches and teammates preaching patience. But whispers are growing louder outside the building.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of several potential suitors for Legette, should the Panthers explore trading the 24-year-old. A conditional third-round pick has even been floated as fair value.
Until then, the Panthers insist Legette will get his chances, but Newton’s warning underscores the reality that in the NFL, patience runs thin.
“That fan favorite is only a fan favorite when you’re a young player or you’re a productive player,” Newton aptly reminded Legette.
So, unless the WR can flip the script quickly, his time in Carolina may indeed be ticking away. Especially if McMillan and Hunter Renfrow continue outproducing Legette.
