4 Panthers players on defense under pressure to perform in 2021
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
This is a big upcoming season for Donte Jackson in more ways than one. The cornerback showed what he was capable of in 2020 after returning to full health after the Week 13 bye, so the Carolina Panthers now know what a productive player he can be when firing on all cylinders.
Jackson certainly looked like a shutdown corner during the final few weeks of the campaign. He was assured in coverage and didn’t give up a ton of receptions compared to how much he was targeted, so there is a lot to like about his chances of further progress next season.
The stakes are high for Jackson, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
If the LSU product stays free of any more injury problems and provides Carolina with consistency locking down some of the league’s best receiving threats, then a huge contract or the franchise tag won’t be far behind.
Another thing Jackson has working in his favor in 2021 is better players around him. Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye joined in free agency from the Denver Broncos and the addition of Jaycee Horn comes with a substantial amount of upside in the long and short term.
That being said, the onus will be on Jackson to prove beyond all doubt he can be a true No. 1 option. The Panthers weren’t convinced about James Bradberry to their cost, so they can ill-afford to lose their second-round pick in 2018 if he makes further strides next season.