Carolina Panthers: 4 exciting storylines heading into 2020

Carolina Panthers Storyline No. 4: Donte Jackson’s emergence as a No. 1 cornerback

One of the more notable departures that the Carolina Panthers had to cope with during free agency was cornerback James Bradberry. He was given a big-money offer by the New York Giants that the organization just couldn’t match due to their current salary cap restrictions.

This has left their fortunes almost squarely on the shoulders of Donte Jackson. The player possesses plenty of likable traits. But things are set to be far tougher in the No. 1 role next season.

Jackson will need to prove his worth against the likes of Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans. And this is just the receivers he will have to contend with in divisional matchups.

The Panthers did draft Troy Pride Jr. and bring in free-agent Eli Apple to bolster their corner options. But it appears the onus will fall on Jackson to produce the goods when it matters most.

The player has waited patiently for this opportunity. And how he fares is going to one of the most exciting storylines to watch in Carolina when competitive action gets underway. Jackson earned a 55.6 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019. But he only gave up 38 receptions from 60 targets.

He is set to see far more balls thrown his way next time around thanks to the quality of receivers Jackson will be coming up against. How he performs is going to have huge ramifications on his long-term future heading into the final year of his deal.