Tag: Mike Jackson

Panthers’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason

The Panthers have quite a few needs for 2025, and most of them reside on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the Carolina Panthers took a refreshing step forward in 2024.

They went from two wins in 2023 to five wins this year, they won’t be going forward with a different head coach and, perhaps most importantly, they may very well have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young.

But this seedling is going to require some more water before it really starts budding next fall.

So for the Panthers to keep growing, they’ll have to address these needs during the offseason . . .

What are the Panthers’ biggest needs for 2025?

1. EDGE

All things considered, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney had himself a pretty decent campaign. But when your best pass rusher is an 11th-year veteran who recorded 5.5 sacks, you probably need some more firepower.

Carolina is fresh off allowing the most points ever in a single season (534), and their punchless pass rush certainly played a part in that dubious honor. The Panthers notched just 32 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in 2024.

Other than rostering Clowney off the edge, the unit does have D.J. Wonnum—who gave a fine account of himself in his shortened season. But this defense needs a certifiable sack artist, one who can free up Clowney more often and push Wonnum into a more suitable role as a rotational presence.

2. DL

If Carolina suffered mightily from their lack of pressure, then their run defense might tell the pass rush to hold its beer.

The Panthers relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in the NFL. To put that number into perspective—the next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, allowed 141.4 rushing yards a contest.

This unit will certainly get a boost from the return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who went down for the season after tearing his meniscus in Week 1. He will, however, need some upgrades beside and behind him.

3. DB

Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott combined to account for 83.1 percent of Carolina’s snaps amongst safeties. All three are slated to become free agents this offseason.

Cornerback Mike Jackson, maybe the most pleasant surprise of the year, is also looking for a new contract. If he walks, the Panthers would definitely need a new No. 2 to pair with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn.

But even if they were to retain at least some of those guys, the Panthers need more playmakers in their secondary. Their nine interceptions were tied for the fifth-fewest in the league.

4. ILB

All three of Carolina’s top inside linebackers—Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace—had their seasons abbreviated by injuries. By the time Weeks 17 and 18 rolled around, the Panthers were forced to entrust the middle of their defense to special teamers and practice-squad members.

The outlook is still cloudy entering 2025. Thompson will be a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, Jewell wasn’t always a reliable tackler and Wallace is still learning the position.

5. WR

It wouldn’t be a Carolina Panthers offseason if we didn’t bring up the need for a wideout.

While Young took a very encouraging step in his development over the season’s last 11 weeks, he shouldn’t taking his next one with a 35-year-old Adam Thielen as his best target. And although Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker flashed at times as rookies, neither are likely to grow right into the No. 1 receiver Young should have for 2025.

6. TE

There’s a similar conundrum at the tight end position.

2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders looked quite solid . . . in spurts. He, like Legette and Coker, is not a surefire solution at the moment.

Plus, Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are headed to free agency.

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Carolina Panthers 2025 free agents

With the 2024 regular season now over, let’s take a look at the Panthers’ upcoming free agents:

The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their 2024 campaign with a 48-38 win, walking off the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 18.

But which players might have taken their final snap with the Panthers on Sunday?

As we enter Carolina’s offseason, here are the team’s 2025 free agents:

  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
  • RB Mike Boone
  • RB Velus Jones Jr. (RFA)
  • WR David Moore
  • WR Deven Thompkins
  • WR Dan Chisena (RFA)
  • TE Tommy Tremble
  • TE Ian Thomas
  • TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
  • TE Stephen Sullivan
  • OL Brady Christensen
  • OL Cade Mays (RFA)
  • C Austin Corbett
  • DL LaBryan Ray (ERFA)
  • DL DeShawn Williams
  • DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
  • OLB Cam Gill
  • ILB Shaq Thompson
  • ILB Chandler Wooten (RFA)
  • CB Mike Jackson
  • CB Caleb Farley
  • CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
  • S Xavier Woods
  • S Jordan Fuller
  • S Sam Franklin Jr.
  • S Nick Scott
  • K Eddy Piñeiro
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • LS JJ Jansen

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

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Panthers Week 18 injury report: 2 key defensive starters out vs. Falcons

The Panthers will once again be without CB Jaycee Horn and ILB Josey Jewell.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn will not be finishing out his Pro Bowl campaign.

Horn, who was officially named to his first Pro Bowl Games yesterday morning, has been ruled out for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons due to his hip injury. The fourth-year defender also missed last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Inside linebacker Josey Jewell will also sit out of this weekend’s contest with a concussion. Like Horn, Jewell did not suit up for Week 17’s trip to Raymond James Stadium.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Amaré Barno Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP DNP Out
G Robert Hunt Knee DNP Limited DNP Questionable
ILB Josey Jewell Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
S Lonnie Johnson Jr. Shoulder/neck DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Mike Jackson Rest DNP Full Full –
DL A’Shawn Robinson Neck DNP DNP Limited Questionable
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest DNP Limited Full –
OT Taylor Moton Knee Limited DNP Limited Questionable
RB Miles Sanders Ankle Full Limited Full Questionable
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited Limited Questionable
S Nick Scott Illness DNP Full Full –
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full –
OLB DJ Johnson Personal DNP Out

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Panthers CB Jaycee Horn among 5 starters held out of Thursday’s practice

Newly-minted Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn did not participate for a second straight practice.

Unfortunately, a Pro Bowl selection does not come with magical healing powers.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, fresh off being named to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games this morning, did not practice on Thursday due to a hip injury. Horn, who also sat out from Wednesday’s session, missed his first game of the 2024 season this past Sunday because of the setback.

Horn was joined on the side by fellow starters in right tackle Taylor Moton (rest), defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (neck), inside linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (concussion).

Here is the full injury report from this afternoon:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Amaré Barno Shoulder DNP DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP
G Robert Hunt Knee DNP Limited
ILB Josey Jewell Concussion DNP DNP
S Lonnie Johnson Jr. Shoulder/neck DNP DNP
CB Mike Jackson Rest DNP Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Neck DNP DNP
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest DNP Limited
OT Taylor Moton Knee Limited DNP
RB Miles Sanders Ankle Full Limited
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited
S Nick Scott Illness DNP Full
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP

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Panthers HC Dave Canales talks about CB Mike Jackson’s upcoming free agency

Panthers HC Dave Canales on CB Mike Jackson: “He’s exactly the type of people we want to be here with the culture, the attitude and the professionalism.”

Cornerback Mike Jackson wasn’t on our radar only three weeks prior to the start of the 2024 regular season. Heck, he wasn’t even on the Carolina Panthers’ roster at that point.

But the veteran defender, in the midst of what’s been a pleasantly surprising campaign, might have made himself an offseason priority for the organization.

While wrapping up Wednesday’s practice, head coach Dave Canales talked about Jackson—who is set to become a free agent this spring. Canales was asked if he hopes to see the 27-year-old back in the fold for 2025.

“I mean, we’ll look at all the guys and evaluate that,” he replied. “He’s done a fantastic job. I think Jaycee [Horn] and Mike are like the No. 1 tandem in terms of pass breakups per attempts.

“So, he’s certainly come up big for us in a few games. Think about the Saints game—fourth-down play he makes to end the game. I think about the Cardinals game—two knockdowns with Marvin Harrison Jr. over there on the right side. And kinda Rolodexing just some of the different ways he’s showed up. Sweet TFL (tackle for a loss) in the game last weekend, where they had a toss crack for minus three.”

The Panthers acquired Jackson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks back on Aug. 22. Carolina sent Seattle linebacker Michael Barrett, their 2024 seventh-round pick, in exchange for the experienced corner—something they desperately needed heading out of the summer.

Jackson has gone on to start in each of the team’s 16 games this season, amassing 72 combined tackles, an interception and a career-high 14 passes defensed.

Canales continued.

“And just the style of him, the consistency of Mike,” he added. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s exactly the type of people we want to be here with the culture, the attitude and the professionalism.”

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Panthers hold 8 players out of practice on Wednesday

Jaycee Horn was among the eight Panthers who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

While the Carolina Panthers are hoping to finish together, they may have to close out the campaign without a few key starters.

Eight players were listed as non-participants for Wednesday’s practice, one of the team’s last before this weekend’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons.

Starting cornerback Jaycee Horn, who continues to deal with a hip injury, was among the eight men who were out this afternoon. The former eighth overall pick, in his first absence of 2024, missed last week’s 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—where quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns.

Running back Miles Sanders, on the other hand, was able to get back to the practice field today after missing the last six games due to an ankle sprain. The Panthers officially designated his return prior to the session.

Here’s the full injury report from Wednesday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Amaré Barno Shoulder DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP
G Robert Hunt Knee DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Concussion DNP
S Lonnie Johnson Jr. Shoulder/neck DNP
CB Mike Jackson Rest DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Neck DNP
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest DNP
OT Taylor Moton Knee Limited
RB Miles Sanders Ankle Full
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full

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Panthers players seemed quite fine with knocking the Cardinals out of playoff contention

The Panthers played spoiler to the Cardinals on Sunday, and at least a few of them seemed pretty okay with it.

The Carolina Panthers went on a wild ride this afternoon, going from a 20-3 lead at one point to a frantic overtime period against the playoff-hopeful Arizona Cardinals. But by the end, they got their win—and they did it their way.

Here are some of their players’ best reactions to the thrilling 36-30 walk-off victory . . .

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Carolina Panthers players who are free agents in 2025

With the trade deadline now behind us, let’s take a look at the Panthers who are set to become free agents following the 2024 season:

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and it didn’t go without a few moves from the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, the team shipped off wideout Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in a trade involving a late-round pick swap for the 2025 draft. And yesterday, in a much more favorable return, they sent fellow receiver Jonathan Mingo over to the Dallas Cowboys.

So now that those departures are official, we could start looking ahead towards free agency for quite a few more.

Here are Panthers whose contracts are set to expire following the season:

  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Chuba Hubbard (Signed four-year extension)
  • RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
  • WR David Moore
  • WR Jalen Coker (ERFA)
  • TE Tommy Tremble
  • TE Ian Thomas
  • TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
  • OL Brady Christensen
  • OL Cade Mays
  • C Austin Corbett
  • DL LaBryan Ray
  • DL DeShawn Williams
  • DL Jonathan Harris
  • DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
  • OLB Charles Harris
  • OLB Thomas Incoom
  • OLB Cam Gill
  • ILB Shaq Thompson
  • CB Mike Jackson
  • CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
  • CB Anthony Brown
  • S Xavier Woods
  • S Jordan Fuller
  • S Sam Franklin Jr.
  • S Nick Scott
  • S Demani Richardson (ERFA)
  • K Eddy Piñeiro
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • LS JJ Jansen

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

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Key matchups for Panthers vs. Bengals in Week 4

Once a weakness, the Panthers’ offensive line has proven to be a major strength this season. But they’ll have to deal with a big loss in Week 4.

Which sets of claws should we be focusing on in Sunday’s cat fight at Bank of America Stadium?

Here are four key matchups for the Week 4 clash between the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals:

Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Bengals’ front seven

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Quarterback Andy Dalton may have been the star in Carolina’s stunning 36-22 upset win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but it was Hubbard who was the engine. The fourth-year back rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries while adding another 55 yards and a score on five catches.

Hubbard will be facing a Bengals defense that has allowed 142.3 rushing yards per game, the seventh-most in the league.

Panthers LG Chandler Zavala vs. Bengals DT Zach Carter

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Hubbard can find some more holes with the help of Zavala, who will be starting in place of an injured Damien Lewis. The second-year lineman will have to step up in pass protection as well, as Lewis’ 80.9 pass-blocking grade ranks sixth amongst all NFL guards.

He’ll be matching up against a fellow spot starter in Carter, who’s in for Sheldon Rankins. Carter got the start in last week’s loss to the Washington Commanders, where he recorded half a sack.

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cincinnati’s Week 4 loss to the Commanders also saw Chase hit the end zone for the first time in 2024. In fact, he hit it twice—once on a 41-yarder and once on a 31-yarder.

Horn, who had Las Vegas Raiders star Davante Adams strapped in last Sunday, will have to prevent Chase from finding the big play with quarterback Joe Burrow.

Panthers CB Mike Jackson vs. Bengals WR Tee Higgins

Steve Marcus/Getty Images

We have another intriguing wideout vs. corner battle, as Jackson has proved to be quite a late-summer find for Carolina. The sixth-year vet notched a team-high nine tackles and an interception in Week 3, further solidifying his role as the No. 2 across from Horn.

He’ll have his hands full with Higgins, who is fresh off his season debut.

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Panthers All-22 film review: Appreciating the stars from Week 3’s upset win

Let’s take a closer look at some standout performances from the Panthers’ first win of the 2024 season:

It may have taken quite a while, but the Carolina Panthers finally put some pretty good tape together!

Let’s dive into some of the best All-22 looks from their 36-22 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders from Week 3 . . .

Andy Dalton’s resurgence?

Head coach Dave Canales made a significant decision to bench former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young at the start of Week 3. The move has given way to the 14th-year veteran in Dalton, who may now be in his final run as an NFL starter.

In his first start in almost a year, Dalton did something spectacular—as he became the very first quarterback in 2024 to throw for both 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game. And what’s even more spectacular is that his performance may also lead to a resurgence for the Carolina offense, a unit that looked absolutely dead over their first two outings.

Dalton played at an elite level on Sunday. He did a great job of using his eyes to manipulate second- or third-level defenders, which resulted in some explosive plays.

The 36-year-old played like the savvy passer he is—with his composure in the pocket, his answers against pressure and his ability to deliver the rock quickly. Frankly, the Panthers offense pulled off a 180 compared to what they looked like under Young.

He was accurate with incredible ball placement, especially on his touchdown passes to wideouts Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson. Dalton did a splendid job with ball security, though he did have some misfires and a couple of near-interceptions. 

Going forward, Dalton’s ability to get the ball out on time will give his offense and playmakers a chance to make big gains in space.

WRs stand out

It seems rare, especially going back to last season, that a group of wide receivers made a significant impact on the offense in a positive way. That is what happened on this afternoon.

Johnson, who the Panthers traded for in the offseason, had a career day with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His high-level skills as a route runner were on display with ample separation—as he used subtle movements and head fakes to force defensive backs to bite and commit their hips in the opposite direction.

Thielen was a nice security blanket underneath and made a great catch in traffic for a touchdown. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring on the play and was eventually placed on injured reserve. This’ll give some opportunities to rookie Xavier Legette and second-year wideout Jonathan Mingo.

Mingo received some touches and showed his run-after-catch skill set at times. Legette will see the field more over the next four weeks and should be able to offer his explosive play-making ability.

His second and third-level acceleration is something the Panthers have missed since DJ Moore was traded. Legette also showed gradual improvement in separation skills and as a route runner with improved landmarks and deliberation.

With Thielen out for at least four weeks, Legette or Mingo will start in his place. Undrafted free agent Jalen Coker is now on the active 53-man roster and could see some playing time as well.

Defense has a confidence-boosting game

The Carolina defense allowed 399 rushing yards in their first two games heading into Vegas. On Sunday, they allowed just 55 rushing yards to the Raiders—obviously, a significant difference.

But why did this number improve so drastically?

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has been mixing and matching his defensive line and second level since the loss of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. Against the Raiders, there was more discipline in gap assignments and run fits.

Defensive linemen such as Jayden Peevy, LaBryan Ray and Nick Thurman were able to fill gaps and seal off rushing lanes. Peevy had a couple of decent interior pressures where he was able to get a long-arm bull rush and one with a swipe/rip on outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney’s fourth-quarter sack.

Linebacker Josey Jewell, who was run over by the Los Angeles Chargers a week prior, had a rebound game—showing more physicality at the point of attack and his respective fits.

Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace played his first defensive snaps of the season. He saw time at off-ball ‘backer in some base fronts, but was utilized on the edge where Evero could deploy his athleticism and explosiveness to his advantage in the run game.

Despite giving up a 54-yard reception in the first quarter, cornerback Mike Jackson has proved to be a gem. Jackson led the team in tackles with nine, exhibiting excellent play in run support and making quality open-field stops in space. He also, while chalking up an interception, played with discipline in footwork and coverage responsibilities altogether.

Carolina’s secondary has become a big strength of this roster, but they face a steep challenge against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this Sunday. With starting safety Jordan Fuller lost to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, my eyes will be locked in on backup Nick Scott—who Evero views as a starting safety for most teams in the league.

Extra notes

  • Running back Chuba Hubbard looks more elusive and creative as a runner. He’s especially more creative when attacking gaps and navigating congestion, and is always going forward when tackled. He is one of Carolina’s key pieces this season.
  • Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders flashed as a blocker, showing a willingness to fit his hands and drive. He did whiff on a few blocks, plus a miscommunication play where he ran into right tackle Taylor Moton on a sack.

  • Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was lights out in the run-blocking game. He did miss some blocks against overload pressures, but had a consistent game in true pass sets—offering overall clean footwork, active hands and accurate strikes while doing a much better job with mirroring inside counters than he did at any point last season.

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