4 Panthers free agents in 2022 who must be paid this offseason
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
- 2021 salary – $2.83 million
The Carolina Panthers have a big decision to make where Donte Jackson is concerned. His level of production down the stretch in 2020 was enough to suggest he’ll be a shutdown cornerback moving forward, so the team might decide to tie him down to a long-term deal this offseason rather than losing him for nothing when the time comes next year.
This is a big risk, especially when one considers the injury problems Jackson has suffered during his career. But the Panthers can ill-afford another situation like the one involving James Bradberry that saw him depart to the New York Giants and thrive in new surroundings.
Carolina doesn’t have much in the way of depth behind Jackson currently after letting Corn Elder walk and allowing Rasul Douglas to enter the market. So the former LSU standout would be in a strong position to hold the team to ransom if he makes further strides in 2021.
Once Jackson rid himself of the toe problem that hampered his contribution up until the Week 13 bye, his stats when targeted over the last four games were hugely encouraging.
- 7/21 completions allowed (33.3%)
- 45 yards conceded
- 2.1 yards-per-target
- 0 TDs allowed
- 4 passes defended
That’s up there with any cornerback in the NFL.
Simply put, paying Jackson now and giving themselves some sort of realistic out in a couple of years should be considered.