Panthers Make Surprise Steal of a Trade Before Preseason Finale

The Panthers pulled off a surprise trade on Thursday, bolstering the secondary by acquiring CB Michael Jackson in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks for LB Michael Barrett.

Carolina needed upgrades defensively after losing out on a reunion with former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. Jackson, a former fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was a strong contributor for Seattle and brings much-needed veteran experience to the Panthers' defense.

For the price of a seventh-rounder, it's a worthy trade for new GM Dan Morgan.

Panthers News: Carolina Acquires CB Michael Jackson

Jackson started all 17 games for Seattle in 2022, compiling 75 tackles, 12 deflected passes and an interception. He surrendered a 55.8% completion percentage and 75.1 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks during that stretch, though his 2023 campaign was underwhelming.

This move gives Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales the opportunity to acquire a potential high-level talent for a late-round draft pick. These are the acquisitions that rebuilding teams need to make, so it's great to see the new regime take advantage of an opportunity.

He's a physical, hard-hitting player who helps set the tone for a defense. Considering the amount of new names on that side of the ball, Jackson's leadership and high-upside potential makes him a worthy trade candidate.

Carolina has a long way to go until it becomes a true playoff contender. Even still, these are the moves you hope to see and a sign that the organization is moving in the right direction overall.

Perhaps he doesn't contribute to the 2024-25 squad. If he does, he'll have been acquired for next-to-nothing and that's all you can ask for at this stage.

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