Carolina Panthers Release Veteran Cornerback Dane Jackson to Clear Cap Space

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The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move to clear cap space by releasing veteran cornerback Dane Jackson. This decision has freed up $3.35 million in salary cap space, which could be utilized to extend the contract of Pro Bowl selection Jaycee Horn, a priority for general manager Dan Morgan. Additionally, the Panthers now have more flexibility to re-sign Michael Jackson, who started all 17 games last season.

Dane Jackson signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Panthers last March but struggled with a hamstring injury, missing the first six games. Upon his return, he was primarily used as a nickelback but allowed a 123.6 passer rating and 75.9 completion percentage when targeted. The Panthers had approximately $30 million in cap space before Jackson's release, and this move will enable them to make further adjustments to their roster. The team may also focus on developing young players like Chau Smith-Wade, who could potentially fill the gap left by Jackson's departure.

The release of Dane Jackson has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Buffalo Bills, the team that originally drafted him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his time with the Bills, Jackson rose from a reserve player to a key depth piece, playing in 61 games and making 31 starts. He accumulated 152 tackles, 28 pass breakups, and three interceptions. If the Bills were to re-sign Jackson, it would likely be a cost-effective move, allowing them to maintain a stable defense while exploring other options to improve their roster.

The Bills' interest in re-signing Jackson could be driven by their need for a reliable cornerback to play opposite Christian Benford. With veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas being a free agent, the team may view Jackson as a viable option to provide a higher floor for their defense while still pursuing other players to compete for the starting role. The decision to pursue Jackson or not will depend on the team's overall strategy and priorities in the upcoming season.

In the context of the NFL's ongoing transactions, the Panthers' decision to release Dane Jackson is just one of many moves that teams are making to adjust their rosters and manage their salary caps. As the league continues to evolve, teams must be strategic in their decision-making to stay competitive. The Panthers' move to clear cap space and potentially extend key players like Jaycee Horn demonstrates their commitment to building a strong team for the upcoming season. With the NFL Draft and free agency on the horizon, fans can expect more exciting developments in the world of football, including the potential for roster cuts and new signings that will shape the landscape of the league.