Where could cornerback Donte Jackson end up next as the Carolina Panthers plan to release or trade the veteran before free agency?
This is a busy time for the Carolina Panthers. Dan Morgan, Dave Canales, and Brandt Tilis are currently putting plans in place to mold a competitive roster. Some decisions are tougher than others, but it seems as if Donte Jackson's future has been decided based on reports.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Panthers plan to release or trade Jackson before March 16. This is when he is due a $4 million roster bonus, which is something those in power are looking to avoid based on this development.
Putting the feelers out there in pursuit of enticing a willing suitor to jump the queue and take on Jackson for a late-round pick might not get anyone to bite. The cornerback was solid enough last season, but all signs point to the former second-round selection being cut rather than Carolina getting something back in return.
With this in mind, here are three potential landing spots for Jackson when he inevitably departs the Panthers after six seasons.
Donte Jackson could join the Eagles
Although the Philadelphia Eagles have James Bradberry and Darius Slay under contract in 2024, neither veteran performed to the level expected last season. The dethroned NFC champions can't cut either considering the financial ramifications involved. Therefore, adding another proven veteran to take some heat off could be the most likely cause of action.
This is the sort of move typically associated with aggressive general manager Howie Roseman. He likes acquiring veterans down on their luck in the hope they can regain form. Jackson showed enough last season to suggest he might be a nice complimentary piece in the Eagles' secondary, especially considering the improvements made by the ex-LSU college star against the run in 2023.
The NFL offseason can be a drag at times, but don't let that distract you from a guaranteed $100 bonus (without making a deposit!) at FanDuel and DraftKings in North Carolina. All you have to do is sign up with each sportsbook and verify your identity and location before March 11. You'll get $200 in combined bonus bets on March 11, guaranteed! Sign up early with FanDuel and DraftKings today.
Donte Jackson could join the Chiefs
This could be a dream come true for Donte Jackson, one suspects. He's spent his entire NFL career with a perennial bottom-feeder. As the Carolina Panthers look set to move on from the defensive back, landing on a contender would be his preference.
Of course, a trade negates the choice element of this equation. If nobody comes forward and Jackson is released, there should be a few interested parties with a legitimate chance of competing for a Super Bowl next season. Perhaps the defending champions will stake a claim depending on what happens with one of their top performers in 2023.
L'Jarius Sneed played exceptionally well in a contract year as the Kansas City Chiefs clinched another ring. With money tight, the potential of a tag-and-trade looks increasingly likely, with some analysts believing somewhere in the region of a second-round selection will get it done.
If Sneed is forced to take his chances elsewhere, the Chiefs need to find an adequate replacement. Jackson might not be on his level, but his experience, speed, and run support make him an option worth considering if the price is right. The player might even be willing to take a little less in pursuit of linking up with Patrick Mahomes and company in the AFC West.
Once Sneed's future is resolved one way or another, the Chiefs will strike quickly. They've probably done their homework on potential replacements. Whether Jackson is under consideration remains to be seen.
Donte Jackson could join the Lions
The Detroit Lions came agonizingly close to reaching the promised land for the first time in franchise history last season. It was a memorable campaign that captivated the imagination of fans across the country. Dan Campbell's men fell short in the NFC championship game, but they look poised for another bold bid next time around with a few roster tweaks.
One area that could use a boost is Detroit's pass defense. They conceded 257 yards per game through the air on average, which just isn't good enough, and ranked second-worst behind only the Washington Commanders. Something those in power will look to change by finding immediate contributors to capitalize on their window of opportunity.
Donte Jackson fits the mold in terms of mentality. He's confident and determined, so he should fit into the Lions' locker room well in this scenario. While he does give up some big plays on occasion, one could argue the cornerback would be an immediate upgrade as a No. 2 option in Detroit if another shutdown presence can also be sought via free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jackson will always be a polarizing figure among Carolina's fanbase. Many thought they should have let him go in 2021 and kept Stephon Gilmore. Others felt the player was vastly underrated and didn't get enough credit. There was no in-between. Now, we'll get the chance to see what he can do away from such a toxic organization.