The Carolina Panthers are reportedly expected to trade or release veteran corner Donte Jackson, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler. The cornerback is owed a $4 million roster bonus after the league new year in mid-March, so the Panthers could make a move either way before March 16. Releasing Jackson would also save the team $5.9M against the 2024 salary cap.
This season was a comeback year for Jackson after he suffered a torn Achilles in 2022. The former LSU star went on IR after nine games last season but played 16 this year as the Panthers won just two games. Despite making a full recovery from his injury, the 2023 season was his first in the league without an interception. He tallied a 59 tackles with one forced fumble, however.
A second-round pick out of LSU in 2018, Jackson has been a starter with the Panthers ever since. They selected him as No. 55 overall after he was a second-team All-American for the Tigers in 2017. He has recorded 302 tackles, 14 interceptions and 46 passes defended in six seasons in the NFL.
Carolina missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season in 2023 and fired head coach Frank Reich before the end of the season. The Panthers hired former Tampa Bay coordinator Dave Canales to lead the team in 2024.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.
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