Jackson left the Bills last offseason when he signed a two-year contract with the Panthers. He was released after only one season in Carolina, and now returns to the Bills on a one-year deal. The 28-year-old corner struggled mightily in pass coverage last season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 36.4 while allowing opposing receivers to go for 19-204-3 against him on just 27 targets. Jackson is unlikely to be tasked with a starting role in 2025, but returning to a familiar defensive system could bode well for both sides here.

According to Over the Cap, the release of Jackson creates a cap savings of $3.35 million for the Panthers. Jackson signed a two-year contract with the Panthers last offseason but opened the season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. Jackson appeared in nine games last season while making three starts. He broke up two passes while earning a PFF coverage grade of 36.4. At 28 years old, Jackson should have plenty to offer another team as veteran depth. Jackson has started 31 of the 61 games he’s appeared in during his career and made 14 starts in 2022.

According to Panthers beat writer David Newton, Jackson could be looking at a six-week absence. The Panthers signed Jackson to a two-year, $8.5 million contract earlier this offseason after he spent the first four years of his career with the Bills. The Panthers have already been exploring additional options at cornerback even when Jackson was healthy. This injury should only amplify their need to bring in a free agent or two to add to the secondary.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jackson’s deal is worth “up to” $14.5 million. Jackson was a full-time player in 2022, logging 14 starts in his 15 appearances. He broke up 12 passes and stole two picks. His role took a hit in 2023 as he was credited with just six starts in the same number of games. Jackson only logged five pass breakups in 2023. The move to Carolina will ensure Jackson more playing time after the Panthers traded away cornerback Donte Jackson to acquire Diontae Johnson.