Do you agree with this take about Carolina Panthers CB Mike Jackson?
NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes Carolina Panthers CB Mike Jackson is "grossly underpaid."
Jackson has a base salary of $4.3 million for next season. He led the NFL in passes defended last season at 19. The veteran also had four interceptions.
"Carolina picked up a late-bloomer when it acquired Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks in a 2024 offseason trade. The Panthers signed him to a two-year, $10.5 million extension last year, and he's outplayed that deal. In 2025, the 29-year-old cornerback recorded a league-leading 19 pass breakups and four interceptions while allowing a 75 passer rating in coverage. On a base salary of $4.3 million, which includes $2 million in guarantees, he's grossly underpaid this year."
If the Panthers don't sign Jackson to an extension, the 29-year-old will enter free agency next offseason.
Jackson enters next season with seven interceptions 55 passes defended, 205 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss and one QB hit in his career.
Even though the Panthers won the NFC South title last season, they finished with a sub-.500 record and needed help in Week 18 to win the division.
The Panthers have a tough 2026 schedule. If Jackson doesn't get an extension, he will have extra motivation to play well so he can get paid next offseason.
In 2026, Carolina faces the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
It will be fascinating to see how Carolina does in 2026. The team will no longer fly under the radar after making the playoffs last season.
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