Grading the Carolina Panthers' latest three free-agent moves in 2024, including their decision to sign cornerback Dane Jackson.
Dan Morgan has been busy over the last few days putting his grand plans for progress into action. Tough decisions have been made and some established figures are no longer around. Nothing worth having comes easy, but at least there appears to be a genuine plan for gradual growth for the first time in years.
There will be more transactions upcoming. The Panthers are currently in the process of hosting a series of edge rushers after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants and Yetur Gross-Matos departed for the San Francisco 49ers. Morgan's priority is to surround quarterback Bryce Young with everything he needs, but decimating a decent defense could jeopardize their chances to make strides in 2024.
With the new league year officially underway, it was a quieter-than-usual day for the Panthers. That said, there were still a few notable moves that warrant further discussion.
With this in mind, we graded the latest three confirmed transactions from the Panthers, including their decision to sign cornerback Dane Jackson from the Buffalo Bills.
Carolina Panthers re-signed Troy Hill
This was reported a while ago, but the Carolina Panthers officially confirmed the re-signing of cornerback Troy Hill to a one-year deal. Ejiro Evero deciding to stay on as defensive coordinator and work alongside new head coach Dave Canales almost made this move a foregone conclusion. Something that is richly deserved after the veteran made a quality impression last season.
Hill has the size, length, and athleticism to become a coverage factor on the outside or in the slot. He's no spring chicken at 33 years old when the 2024 campaign arrives, but his 61.8 percent completion percentage allowed last time around suggests there is some good football left.
Grade: B+
With Donte Jackson being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and C.J. Henderson unlikely to return, this is a good move. Hill keeps continuity and should assist from a rotational standpoint, so it's a no-brainer given the cost involved.
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Carolina Panthers tendered contract to Raheem Blackshear
The Carolina Panthers have avoided the temptation to bring in another free-agent running back so far. This can be a risky piece of business, something previous general manager Scott Fitterer found out to his cost by signing Miles Sanders to a lucrative deal that blew up in his face.
Despite the indifferent production from Sanders, it seems as if the Panthers will be keeping a sense of status quo in the backfield alongside quarterback Bryce Young. Chuba Hubbard looks set to lead the charge in a contract year. The team also tendered a contract to Raheem Blackshear, the No. 3 option who also shone in the return game last season.
Blackshear was plucked off the Buffalo Bills practice squad and has flashed moments of promise since joining the team. Opportunities were somewhat limited, but keeping him around offers the former undrafted free agent a chance to get more involved within Dave Canales' expansive scheme.
With Ihmir Smith-Marsette also signing an extension, the Panthers have their kick and punt returners sown up. If Blackshear impresses the new coaching staff throughout the summer, he could factor in as a situational back and receive some targets in the passing game.
Grade: B
Blackshear's arrival might not stop the Panthers from taking another running back later in the 2024 NFL Draft. But giving him another opportunity to establish himself means there is a level of confidence in his ability to flourish under a progressive offensive mind such as Canales.
Carolina Panthers signed Dane Jackson
As previously mentioned, Donte Jackson was included in the trade package that brought wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Considering the Carolina Panthers were expected to release the starting cornerback, getting this back in return can be seen as a win for new general manager Dan Morgan. Whether it pays dividends or not is another matter.
This left the Panthers short of legitimate options in their secondary. Jackson is gone. C.J. Henderson doesn't look like he'll be back. Carolina also released veteran safety Vonn Bell to save additional cash. They did work out an extension with Troy Hill, but more is needed - especially considering the indifferent injury history of former first-round pick Jaycee Horn.
Morgan turned to someone he knows well, signing Dane Jackson to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $14.5 million. The former seventh-round selection emerged into a solid rotational piece during his time on the Buffalo Bills. Asking him to be anything more than this comes with significant risk attached.
Jackson gave up 74.3 percent of targets last season and a 109.6 passer rating when targeted - both career highs. The eight missed tackles - which accounted for 17% of his attempts - are another potential complication worth monitoring.
Grade: C
If the Panthers are counting on Jackson to play anything more than the 50 percent of defensive snaps he accumulated in Buffalo, they're asking for trouble. He's a good rotational option, but those in power need to find a genuine outside presence via the draft to avoid any unnecessary complications.