4 Panthers players who could get paid next after Taylor Moton deal
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers have let plenty of cornerbacks walk out of the door in recent years. James Bradberry and Josh Norman both departed in their prime and if Donte Jackson builds on a positive end to 2020, it’s going to present another precarious situation for those in power to handle.
Jackson had his problems with injury last season. There’s no getting away from that.
But the performances he put in following Carolina’s bye week could indicate there might be a shutdown cornerback in there after all.
The former second-round pick has blazing recovery speed and seemed to improve his ability in coverage down the stretch. Jackson will also benefit from Jaycee Horn and A.J. Bouye alongside him in the secondary next season, which could make a massive difference to his production.
Jackson is heading into the final year of his deal and can make some serious money in the coming months. If the LSU product can stay healthy for a prolonged period of time and prove beyond all doubt he can be counted upon to lock down the best in the business, then the Panthers would be wise to keep him around.
Carolina cannot pay everyone, obviously. But shutdown corners are hard to find and now Taylor Moton has been extended, potentially placing the franchise tag on Jackson is not entirely out of the question.