The Carolina Panthers had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year, and they could cut Dane Jackson after one disappointing campaign. Originally entering the league with the Buffalo Bills, Carolina signed the former seventh-round pick to a modest two-year, $8.5 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. Brought on to compete on a wide-open depth chart, Jackson began the year on the injured reserve but failed to make a name for himself once he returned to the field. Appearing in nine games while making three starts, the Pittsburgh product finished the season with a 33.8 PFF grade, which would have been the lowest in the league if he had enough snaps to qualify.
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In a recent article, Bleacher Report listed Dane Jackson as one of three potential cut candidates for the Carolina Panthers. Pointing out his struggles in coverage, the article noted the team could save $3.4 million in much-needed cap space by releasing the veteran. His time in Carolina may be coming to a close, but he could still play a depth role in a more favorable scheme. While he won’t earn another $8 million deal, the Saints and Chiefs could bring in the veteran to compete for a job.
“Jackson gave up a 123.6 passer rating when he was targeted this year. The Panthers stand to create $3.4 million in cap space by releasing Jackson. It would also clear a roster spot for another cornerback the Panthers might trust more.”
Panthers Could Cut Dane Jackson – Cornerback Could Land With Saints, Chiefs
The New Orleans Saints must get creative over the next few months. General Manager Mickey Loomis will never embrace a rebuild, but the team has too many holes to address with their nonexistent salary cap space. Seeing as they don’t have the financial resources to fix their roster with proven players, they’ll have no choice but to go after low-risk, medium-reward players like Dane Jackson. While he’s far from perfect, he might be the most cost-effective solution to the Saints secondary woes.
While most of the offseason turmoil stems from the Saints offensive line, they need to do some work in the secondary. Marshon Lattimore is a Commander, and impending free agent Paulson Adebo may have priced his way out of New Orleans. 2023 second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry played well in his inaugural season, but this team still needs more help in the secondary. Dane Jackson is nobody’s idea of a perfect starter, but the cut candidate could play a depth role on a team looking for help wherever they can find it.
More Depth In Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs have two reliable cornerbacks in superstar Trent McDuffie and former fourth-round pick Jaylen Watson. However, the depth behind them leaves something to be desired. Chamarri Conner is a fine player, but Joshua Williams took a major step back following a promising rookie season. This cornerback room was in such tough shape they had to sign Steven Nelson out of retirement when Watson suffered an injury.
In a perfect world, Dane Jackson will not see much playing time if the Panthers cut him. However, the bottom of this depth chart needs some competition, and Jackson could provide that in the offseason. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best minds in the game, and he might get something out of the former seventh-round pick.
