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Panthers Eye Future CB Amidst Aging Star's Contract Uncertainty
30 Mar
Summary
- Horn and Jackson formed an elite cornerback duo with 10 interceptions in 2025.
- Mike Jackson, a key player, faces age and contract limitations.
- Carolina's mock draft suggests preparing for Jackson's potential departure.
The Carolina Panthers currently feature a formidable cornerback pairing with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, who achieved 10 interceptions and 32 pass breakups in 2025. Horn, 26, recently signed a record-setting extension, securing a long-term future for the team at the position.
However, Mike Jackson faces significant challenges with his contract and age. Approaching 30, Jackson is only under contract for one more year, making his departure a likely scenario by 2027. This situation prompts the Panthers to consider future defensive backfield strategies.
Recent mock drafts, such as Matt Miller's, suggest Carolina may use a second-round pick to select Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds. Ponds is described as a tenacious playmaker capable of excelling in various defensive schemes, potentially becoming the future CB2 opposite Jaycee Horn.
