A Panthers-Lions Mock Trade That Makes Sense for Both Sides

Donte Jackson to Detroit for picks? Doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Author:
Schuyler Callihan
Oct 24, 2023 8:25 PM EDT

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We are officially one week away from the NFL's trade deadline and many around the league expect the Carolina Panthers to be active in one way or another.

Some have suggested Carolina makes a move for a proven No. 1 receiver for rookie QB Bryce Young to build with while some expect them to be true sellers and look to acquire draft picks.

One mock trade proposal I came across that makes a lot of sense is one that Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus put together that would send veteran cornerback Donte Jackson to the Detroit Lions.

"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 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 has played in various different schemes over the past few seasons and should be able to adapt to Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme, which has also continued to evolve around the talent in Detroit. Jackson has earned coverage grades between 55.0 and 70.0 in six straight seasons, a consistent presence in the secondary.
"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."

In that proposed deal by Spielberger, the Panthers would receive a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-rounder.

This is a trade that Carolina GM Scott Fitterer should be all over.

Jackson is a solid player but he's not necessarily someone you can build a defense around. You can replace him in the offseason via free agency with a corner just as good or maybe even better. In the meantime, you get answers on some of the younger options on the roster, receive draft picks, and allow Jackson to compete in the playoffs.