Panthers bolster secondary with addition of former Bills CB

Dane Jackson will not stay in Buffalo on a second contract. The free agent corner has agreed to a deal with the Panthers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 

Carolina was prepared to move on from veteran corner Donte Jackson by releasing him. Instead, a trade with the Steelers was worked out which will see the team acquire Diontae Johnson in exchange for Jackson. In need of a starting-caliber replacement in the secondary, Dane Jackson will provide an intriguing option.

Pelissero adds that the latter will receive up to $14.5M on a two-year deal. Given those terms, Jackson will be counted on as a starter with Carolina. The former seventh-rounder started 28 games across his four seasons in Buffalo. That figure includes 14 starts in 2020, a season in which he recorded two interceptions and 12 pass deflections.

The 27-year-old saw his defensive snap share drop to 50% last season, and his ball production suffered. Jackson also endured the worst season of his career concerning coverage performance in 2023. As the nearest defender, he allowed a 74.3% completion percentage and a passer rating of 109.6. While Jackson drew a career-high PFF grade in coverage, improvement in his overall play will undoubtedly be a goal for the Panthers.

Buffalo moved on from Tre’Davious White earlier this month, and the team also cut veteran safety Jordan Poyer in a cost-shedding move. Jackson’s departure will add to the turnover in the Bills’ secondary. The Panthers, meanwhile, will seek to use Jackson as a first-teamer opposite Jaycee Horn moving forward as they look to replicate their strong play against the pass from last season.