Jalen Coker Locked in as the No. 2 WR?

What They're Saying

Here's GM Dan Morgan on Coker's impact, despite encountering injury trouble:

“He’s another guy who’s been through adversity, with injuries, and he’s overcome it,” Morgan said via The Charlotte Observer. “He put the work in, got his body right, reshaped his body. Looks like a different player. And it shows on the field.”

Coker attributed part of his success to the presence of unheralded veterans like David Moore and Adam Thielen.

“Having DMo and Adam as success stories... I feel like it made it easier for me to assimilate into this league and just continue to expect that I’m going to do well. And I think they made it easy for me. And that’s what good leaders do. They breed that confidence in the younger guys, and I felt that 100%.”

Fantasy Football Impact

Coker's status as an exclusive rights free agent is worth monitoring. But not because he might get out of Carolina.

Instead, there's a chance the Panthers extend him on a multi-year deal. Such a move would certainly act as a vote of confidence ahead of the 2026 season.

If not, Coker will return on a one-year deal at the league minimum. He'd then become a restricted free agent in 2027.

The Panthers must make a decision by the start of the new league year: March 11 at 4PM EST.

We'll see where Coker's ADP settles out for 2026. But for now, he brings WR3 potential into his third season.

Other Winners & Losers

Xavier Legette's stock has already taken a clear hit. While Coker emerged, Legette remained an inconsistent player in 2025. 

The former Round 1 pick recorded just 35-363-3 in 15 games. He cracked 40 yards only twice.

Here's HC Dave Canales on what Legette needs to improve this offseason.

"Just keep grinding, keep working, connecting with Bryce, making sure that they're on the same page, making the plays when they come to him," Canales said via Carolina's official site.

"It's that simple, when you get opportunities in this league, this game, all the margins are so fine, it's just critical that when you're called upon, when your number's called, you make the play. And that's how you build trust, and that's how you get things back on track... I have full faith and confidence that Xavier will bounce back and have an excellent year next year."

In reality, the Panthers could add an early-round pass catcher to push for Legette's role. He's not someone we'd target in early 2026 drafts.