With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. both on injured reserve, the Carolina Panthers should consider trading for Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson.
Jackson isn't the same player Carolina drafted in 2018, as he's 30 years old. Still, with the Chargers off to a 0-4 start, the Panthers should at least make the call.
Bringing Jackson back comes with obvious risks.
Carolina Panthers would benefit from Donte Jackson's experience
His recent performance doesn't make him a guaranteed upgrade, and Carolina shouldn't surrender a significant draft pick just because of his history with the franchise. But with the secondary suddenly short on proven options, a reunion is worth considering.
Rookie fourth-round pick Will Lee III is still developing, and Akayleb Evans has an opportunity to establish himself with more playing time. Carolina should give its younger players that chance, but relying entirely on inexperienced options could become a problem against better passing offenses.
That's where Jackson comes in.
A reunion wouldn't automatically restore his previous form, but it could give the Panthers another experienced option while their starters recover.
The strongest argument for pursuing Jackson is the chance to potentially acquire him at a reasonable price.
The Panthers should start with a modest offer rather than treating Jackson like a major acquisition.
Carolina Panthers have knowledge of Donte Jackson, but there are also risks
A late-round pick could be worth discussing, although Los Angeles would have to be willing to move him, and the financial details would need to work. His remaining salary and Carolina's available cap space would also factor into any potential deal.
Carolina could use him as a veteran presence who competes for outside snaps, helps stabilize the rotation, and gives Lee and Evans more room to develop.
Of course, the Panthers would need to evaluate his recent tape before making an offer.
Jackson's past production and familiarity with Carolina can't erase the possibility that his best football is behind him. If the Chargers demand too much, the Panthers should walk away.
Still, Carolina has a clear need, and Jackson is a recognizable name with a history of producing in a Panthers uniform. The team doesn't have to make a sentimental decision to recognize that he could be worth a look.
Carolina's win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football showed that the Panthers can compete even with key players missing. Now they need to make sure those injuries don't become a season-long problem.
If the Chargers are open to moving Jackson for a reasonable price, general manager Dan Morgan should at least pick up the phone.
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