All Panthers

Should the Panthers target former All-Pro defensive back?

Eddie Jackson can be signed now.
Zach Roberts|
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) catches a pass for a touchdown as Baltimore Ravens safety Eddie Jackson (39) defends during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) catches a pass for a touchdown as Baltimore Ravens safety Eddie Jackson (39) defends during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

Because the Los Angeles Chargers lost in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs, Eddie Jackson is now officially available. The safety wasn't a major factor for the Chargers (or the Baltimore Ravens before that in 2024), but the Carolina Panthers might be interested in adding him now.

The Panthers desperately need defensive help at virtually every position except cornerback, and even that isn't a fully-stocked depth chart. Safety is of particular need given the free agents set to leave and how poorly most of them played in 2024, so Jackson might be an intriguing option.

Should the Panthers sign Eddie Jackson?

Eddie Jackson might be familiar to Panthers fans. He once made NFL history by returning a fumble and interception for a touchdown of 75 or more yards in the same game against Carolina, a game the Panthers lost 37-13.

At that moment, it looked like Jackson was a future Hall of Famer. He's had a solid career, but things didn't quite pan out that way. He's a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro but only started four games in 2024 for the Chargers.

Eddie Jackso
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) breaks a tackle by Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4) on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 17-9, to clinch an NFC playoff berth. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

He's not the player he once was, but he'd likely be a cheap addition. The Panthers could do a lot worse than adding someone who's made an All-Pro team at any point in their career to their defensive backfield. Safety is a huge need, so why not take a low-risk, high-reward flyer on Jackson?

This doesn't preclude them from doing anything else at the position, but it allows them to focus elsewhere if necessary. If safeties don't fall to them in the draft or get too expensive in free agency, Jackson is the fallback. If they get someone else, then Jackson is depth/reclamation project.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers 7-round mock draft: Dan Morgan forms incredible CB duo

NFL pundit pitches trade sending Panthers star to AFC North contender

Cam Newton kept pounding gold medalist in reality show boxing bout

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young’s father takes a shot at Nick Saban

Published
Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.

Home/News