Panthers Work Out CB Jack Jones

Carolina’s secondary has been depleted for weeks. Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) were placed on injured reserve at the end of September. They have since been joined by Akayleb Evans (knee), and rookie Will Lee (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. The Panthers were forced to start Chau Smith-Wade and Marco Jackson in Week 9, hardly a tenable long-term duo for a team with playoff ambitions.

Jones, 28, would add some experience to Carolina’s cornerback room. He spent the first seven games of the season with the 49ers, recording 11 tackles and three pass breakups before he was let go in late October. Last year, Jones started all 17 games for the Dolphins, recording 77 tackles, six passes defended, and one interception.

Originally a Patriots fourth-round pick in 2022, Jones appeared in 13 games as a rookie (two starts) but was waived five games into 2023 season. He was claimed by the Raiders and remained in Las Vegas through the end of the 2024 campaign, during which time he started 19 games.

The Panthers’ cornerback situation may have them exploring options on the trade market, too. But with Tuesday’s deadline fast approaching, Jones could be a fallback option if Carolina cannot get a deal done.