-
David Newton
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers cleared $3.35 million in salary cap space Friday with the release of veteran cornerback Dane Jackson.
Jackson signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract last March to play opposite 2024 Pro Bowl selection Jaycee Horn. The 2020 seventh-round pick by the Buffalo Bills missed the first six games with a hamstring injury and wound up being used mostly as a nickelback when he returned.
Even then, he struggled, allowing a 123.6 passer rating and 75.9 completion percentage when targeted.
Clearing the cap space gives the Panthers more room to extend Horn, a priority for general manager Dan Morgan. It also gives Carolina flexibility to re-sign Michael Jackson, who wound up starting all 17 games.
The Panthers had about $30 million in cap space before Dane Jackson’s release.
Moving on from Jackson also gives Carolina the opportunity to develop young players such as Chau Smith-Wade.