The Carolina Panthers, who were the worst team in the NFL last season finishing with a 2-15 record are in a rebuilding stage after firing some of their coaching staff including Head Coach Frank Reich. Carolina will also not hold a first-round pick in this year’s draft due to the trade that acquired last season’s first overall pick in Bryce Young. So, chances at strengthening their core will need to come through free agency.
According to Spotrac’s NFL team salary cap tracker, the Panthers are in the middle of the pack and have around $36.1 million to spend this off-season. With defensive stars such as Brian Burns and Derrick Brown on expiring contracts, Carolina will likely need to free up some cap space in free agency.
Carolina Panthers Expected to Trade or Cut Veteran CB Dontae Jackson
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers are expected to trade or release cornerback Donte Jackson within the next two weeks. Jackson has a roster bonus of $4 million that will be paid in full by March 16th. So, it is expected that he will not be on the team once that deadline hits.
Jackson, who was drafted 55th overall in the 2018 draft by Carolina played in 16 games this season after tearing his Achilles in 2022. He did not catch any interceptions, but was able to combine for 59 total tackles, a forced fumble and was part of a secondary that held quarterbacks to the 3rd fewest passing yards per game in 2023.
Parting Ways with Jackson Would Save $5.9 million in Cap Space
If the Panthers decide to part ways with their 28-year-old veteran cornerback, they will save $5.9 million in cap space bringing their total budget to $42 million for next season. If Jackson isn’t traded and hits free agency, there will likely be multiple teams with interest in the veteran speedster.
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