PFF Suggests Lions Trade for Panthers CB Donte Jackson

Should the Lions add a defensive back at the deadline?

On Sunday, the Detroit Lions certainly recognized their depth in the secondary is a significant concern. 

After the unexpected injury to Jerry Jacobs, Will Harris was called upon to play opposite of Cam Sutton. 

Unfortunately for Detroit's defense, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense exposed each and every weakness of Aaron Glenn's defensive game plan in Week 7. 

With the upcoming trade deadline quickly approaching, many outlets are suggesting which players would be a fit in Detroit, should general manager Brad Holmes decide to make bold acquisitions at the deadline. 

PFF recently suggested Holmes trade for defensive back Donte Jackson. The Panthers are the only winless team in the NFL, and could be looking to unload players to acquire more draft capital. 

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According to Brad Spielberger, "Carolina restructured Jackson’s deal this offseason, converting $7,642,500 in salary into a bonus to drop his 2023 salary down to the minimum. The Panthers are dealing with a myriad of secondary injuries, including to 2021 eighth-overall pick cornerback Jaycee Horn, but Jackson’s name has come up as a potential trade piece for the only remaining winless team in the NFL."

Jackson's versatility should make him an immediate fit in Detroit's defense, as Glenn would covet added help in the secondary. 

The 27-year-old has earned coverage grades between 55.0 and 70.0 in six consecutive NFL seasons. 

"Fellow Panthers cornerback and former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson is also in a contract year and could be moved for cheap. There is the issue of a lack of depth at outside cornerback in Carolina, but they could find replacements to finish out the season and build around Horn moving forward," Spielberger wrote.

Trade proposal 

• Lions send Panthers a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick. 
• Panthers send Lions cornerback Donte Jackson. Jackson carries with him a two-year contract valued at $12,222,500, with $600,000 in guaranteed monies.