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Free-agent cornerback Donte Jackson will be coming back to the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal, the team announced Saturday.
Jackson, 26, was having what general manager Scott Fitterer called the corner’s best season before suffering a groin injury in Week 12 that landed him on injured reserve.
His career since the Panthers made him a second-round pick in 2018 has been plagued by injuries.
He was hampered by a toe injury in 2020, hip and groin injuries in 2019 and again the groin this year. But because of his elite speed (4.21 40-yard dash at the 2018 combine) and cover ability coming out of LSU there remains plenty of upside.
He has 12 career interceptions, including four as a rookie.
Fitterer said after the season he would love to have Jackson and five-time Pro Bowl corner Stephon Gilmore back but admitted money could be an issue.
Jackson said after the season that Carolina was home for him, and he wanted to return.