CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With starter Dane Jackson expected to start the season on injured reserve due to a severe hamstring injury, the Carolina Panthers have bolstered their cornerback depth by acquiring veteran Michael Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks.
In exchange, the Panthers have sent rookie inside linebacker Michael Barrett, who was at risk of not making the 53-man roster, to Seattle.
Carolina had initially pursued veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week, but were unable to compete financially.
Michael Jackson, 27, started 17 games for Seattle in 2022 and four games last season. Panthers’ new head coach Dave Canales was with the Seahawks during Jackson’s standout year.
Jackson will join a cornerback group alongside D’Shawn Jamison and Dicaprio Bootle, who are both more suited for nickelback roles. Jamison had one start as a rookie last season, while Bootle started three games.
Barrett, a seventh-round pick from Michigan, faced long odds to make the Panthers’ final roster. The trade addresses Seattle’s need for inside linebacker depth and reunites Barrett with Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, who previously served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Barrett, a captain of Michigan’s national championship team last season, had 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and two interceptions in his final college seasons.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expressed enthusiasm about Barrett, highlighting his productive college career and potential to compete for a spot on the team.
Seattle had signed Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson to one-year contracts in March to start at inside linebacker, but both have been hampered by injuries, which has led to rookie Tyrice Knight stepping up with the first team. Barrett could potentially play in Seattle’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Michael Jackson, known for his physical play, was part of Seattle’s depth chart of quality cornerbacks. With Pro Bowlers Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, along with strong performances from Tre Brown and Artie Burns, Jackson’s role was uncertain. Previously, Jackson, a fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, has also been with the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.