CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are staying busy, and they got a captain back in the fold on Saturday.
Cornerback Donte Jackson agreed to terms on a new three-year contract, a significant boost for a defense which was leaning young.
At 26, Jackson is the elder of the cornerback room, as none of the other players at his position are older than 25.
Bringing him back will be significant for the development of the group that includes Jaycee Horn, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor Jr., and others.
But the maturity Jackson adds is more than a function of chronological age, as he was voted a team captain last year, and blossomed in the role. This new deal allows him to build on that, and continue to grow as one of the leaders in the locker room.
“It’s crazy. Now that I’m older, I listen more,” Jackson said last fall after receiving the honor. “I actually absorb coaching, I absorb coach (Matt) Rhule and the scheme and the plan. The brand, you know? I think this being a football place, a football atmosphere, a bunch of football guys around, this is a perfect home for me, that I was able to mature.
“Coach Rhule and them were on me from the start, just about maturing. They weren’t worried about the football; they were worried about maturing. And that’s one thing, coming into year four, I wasn’t thinking about being a captain, just maturing and leading by example. My teammates noticed my growth, and how I come in every day and just be the same guy, but elevate it.”
He also played some of his best football last season, before missing the final five games with a groin injury.
He tied for the team lead with two interceptions, and had a team-high 10 passes defensed, and a forced fumble last year.
The former second-round pick has 12 career interceptions.
He’s also the fourth member of the 2018 draft class to sign a new contract, after first-rounder DJ Moore agreed to an extension on Friday and fourth-rounders Ian Thomas and Marquis Haynes Sr. got new deals earlier this offseason.
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Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Lewis)
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Donte Jackson makes a tackle against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
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Donte Jackson tries to tackle Calvin Ridley during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018, in Tampa, FL.
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
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Donte Jackson and Mario Addison makes a tackle on Austin Hooper during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
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Carolina Panthers against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
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Donte Jackson makes a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
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Carolina Panthers week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
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Donte Jackson and Luke Kuechly during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018.
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Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
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Donte Jackson breaks up a pass intended for Russell Shepderd during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
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during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018.
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Donte Jackson makes a tackle against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
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