The NFL's legal free agency tampering period begins at noon ET on Monday, meaning it won't be long before Carolina Panthers fans have a better idea of who will be joining and leaving the organization.
Veteran cornerback Mike Jackson is one of the Panthers' free agents whose future is up in the air. The former 2019 fifth-rounder is looking for a major pay raise this offseason after setting career highs in total tackles (76), defended passes (17), and interceptions (2) in 17 games after being acquired by Carolina last offseason.
While losing Jackson would sting, the Panthers are fortunate to have the perfect replacement target awaiting in the open market.
Panthers Must Sign Isaiah Rodgers to Replace Mike Jackson
According to The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye, "the Panthers are expected to be involved in the cornerback free-agent market." In other words, it sounds like general manager Dan Morgan is expecting Jackson to leave the franchise.
With that being said, Kaye lists Philadelphia Eagles CB Isaiah Rodgers as a potential replacement option.
The Panthers are expected to be involved in the cornerback free-agent market, per league source.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 9, 2025
If Carolina can’t reach a deal with Mike Jackson, #Eagles CB Isaiah Rodgers is someone who might make sense as nickel or outside option.
I wouldn’t expect a Tier 1 target.
If Jackson does leave the Panthers, it'd be hard to be mad about Rodgers as the former's replacement.
After all, the 27-year-old ballhawk is coming off an impressive 2024 performance that culminated in a Super Bowl victory with the Eagles. Rodgers played an integral role for Philadelphia on defense and special teams, racking up 17 solo tackles, four broken-up passes, and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games before adding another five solo efforts, three defended passes, and a fumble recovery in four playoff outings.
Rodgers' Pro Football Focus grades further illustrate his impressive performance, finishing the year with favorable grades regarding run defense (83.4), coverage (70.5), and overall defensive play (73.2).
Rodgers will likely be looking for a pay raise after winning the Super Bowl, which shouldn't be an issue for the Panthers. OverTheCap lists that GM Morgan will have about $27.1 million at his disposal this spring, giving him more than enough funds to field a competitive contract offer.
Making the playoffs will be at the top of the Panthers' 'to-do' list next season, and signing Rodgers can help bring them closer to achieving that goal. Carolina can officially sign the former UMass defender (and any other outside free agents) beginning on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.