5 critical observations from Carolina Panthers OTAs on Wednesday
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson was only after a deal with the Carolina Panthers
There was plenty of speculation about the future of Donte Jackson earlier this offseason. The speedy cornerback was out of contract and ended the campaign on the reserve/injured list once again, so it was easy to picture a scenario where the former second-round selection would be playing elsewhere in 2022.
In the end, the Carolina Panthers got a three-year, $35.18 million deal with an $11 million signing bonus and $16.75 million guaranteed. A significant investment in a player that will now be tasked with leading a talented group of defensive backs moving forward.
This was always something that Jackson was looking to do despite potential interest from elsewhere. The LSU product calls Carolina home and was clearly delighted to remain with the organization long-term.
"“The Panthers were the only team I was worried about getting anything done with. I wasn’t really focused on testing the market or anything. I knew what it was going to be. I knew this was home. This has always been home to me. Just to know that it’s going to continue to be home, (I) was just ecstatic. My whole family, everybody’s excited, everybody’s happy.”"
Jackson got a supreme vote of confidence from the Panthers. What’s important now is for the corner to continue becoming a force against the run, developing a prolific partnership with Jaycee Horn, and staying free of the injury problems that have frustrated him on occasions.
If Jackson can do this, then it’ll be money well spent.