Carolina Panthers newest acquisition CB Michael Jackson might be the perfect fit

The Carolina Panthers may have found their solution at cornerback with the acquisition of Michael Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks. In a trade that sent rookie linebacker Michael Barrett to Seattle, the Panthers addressed a pressing need in their secondary, which has been hit hard by injuries and departures.

Initially, the Panthers planned to start free-agent addition Dane Jackson at cornerback. However, a recent hamstring injury sidelined him for an estimated six weeks, leaving a void in the secondary. With veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore opting to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina found themselves in need of an experienced player to step up. Michael Jackson, who started 21 of his 36 games over the past two seasons with Seattle, appears to be a strong candidate to fill this role.

Jackson's performance in the 2022 season was promising. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned an overall defensive grade of 77.0, ranking 19th among cornerbacks with at least 450 defensive snaps. His coverage grade stood at 76.9, demonstrating his ability to limit opposing receivers, while his run defense grade of 71.5 shows his versatility in supporting the run game. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Jackson brings both size and experience to Carolina’s defensive backfield.

While he may not be a game-changer, Jackson's addition could provide stability to a position currently lacking depth and experience. Given the fact that Barrett did not look likely to make the team, this trade might turn out to be a savvy move for the Panthers, shoring up their secondary as they prepare for the upcoming season.

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