Donte Jackson isn't leaving North Carolina. The 26-year-old had a decision to make in 2022 NFL free agency, as did the Carolina Panthers, and both did just that on Day 6 of the league's open market spree. Jackson has reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year deal to re-sign with the Panthers and remain with the team through the 2025 season -- per NFL Network -- a contract that will pay him a max value of $31.5 million ($11.7 million average annual salary).
Jackson, a former second-round pick of the Panthers in 2018, remains a promising young talent in the defensive backfield but one who's had recent battles with injury as well. He was slowed by hip and groin injuries in 2019 (and the latter once again in 2021), along with a toe injury that hampered him in 2020. When healthy, the speedster can be a problem for opposing receivers -- evidenced by his 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Combine.
There's plenty of upside on Jackson, hence the Panthers commitment to him on a second contract.
He's thus far grabbed 12 interceptions in the NFL, including a breakout rookie year wherein he logged four of them. He's been consistent in that category, averaging three INTs per year over his first four seasons in the league, and has also amassed 38 pass deflections and 209 combined tackles in Carolina. So while the future of All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore remains a mystery, the Panthers have locked in at least one of their top in-house defensive backs.