What can the Carolina Panthers do to keep Donte Jackson in 2022?

What could the Carolina Panthers do to potentially keep cornerback Donte Jackson from hitting the free-agent market in the coming weeks?

One of the more complex situations facing the Carolina Panthers ahead of free agency is what exactly is going to occur with Donte Jackson. The talented cornerback brought his game on considerably once again in 2021, but another injury left many wondering whether he was worth the expected large financial commitment he is set to command once the free-agent period begins.

Jackson has grown in stature within the Panthers since he was drafted in the second round back in 2018. His production on the field is steadily progressing and the LSU product was also praised for his transition into a leadership role within the locker room by head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow during the campaign.

It makes sense to keep Jackson around considering he’s only just entering his prime. But the NFL is rarely that simple and there are numerous factors in play before Carolina comes to a formal conclusion.

Firstly, the Panthers aren’t exactly flush with money right now. According to Spotrac, they have just $15.04 million in cap space, although that is expected to come up with restructures and early releases in the not-too-distant future.

Even so, it appears as if the Panthers might have to choose between Jackson and veteran Stephon Gilmore, a former All-Pro and NFL Defensive Player of the Year who looked to have plenty left in the tank after returning from a torn quad.

A tough choice, one suspects. But there is also the matter of how much money Jackson might demand from any negotiations to consider.

Although Jackson’s injury problems are concerning, there could be a shutdown player in there somewhere and his production in run support also has room to grow further after developing well in 2021. This could lead to demands being too high for Carolina to afford, leaving the player to test the market and get a big offer from elsewhere.

Carolina Panthers have prepared for Donte Jackson’s potential departure

The Panthers have been preparing for this eventuality. Drafting Jaycee Horn and Keith Taylor Jr. – coupled with trades for Gilmore and C.J. Henderson – indicate the team might not have the resources to give Jackson what he’s looking for. So they were well within their right to form a contingency plan.

If the Panthers offered Jackson a four-year deal with minimal compensation in the first year before a steep increase when their cap situation improves, it could be something that works for both parties. There is also the slim chance of slapping him with the franchise tag to prevent the player from leaving entirely.

Much will depend on how the Panthers see Jackson.

Is he a core player integral to their chances of progression?

Or just a solid starter that won’t move the needle without help around him?

It won’t be much longer before we find this out. The Panthers have already begun making moves by extending Frankie Luvu and Ian Thomas, so a decision regarding Jackson might not be far in the offing.

At the present time, it could go either way. But the smart money might point to an exit for Jackson and especially if his demands are not in keeping with how Carolina values the player.

And let’s face it, the team has let plenty of cornerbacks entering their prime depart in the past.