The feeling that the Carolina Panthers could lose Donte Jackson was palpable. In fact, it felt more probable than not.
But, fortunately for both sides, that wasn’t ultimately the case.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old cornerback jumped out of the open market and re-upped with the franchise that drafted him. And now we know the details of that pact—an agreement that can pay Jackson up to $35.18 million over the next three seasons.
As far as what’s definitely in the bank for Jackson, $16,757,500 of that $35,180,000 is guaranteed, according to spotrac.com. That puts him at 11th on the team in guaranteed cash, right behind another fresh signing in offensive lineman Austin Corbett ($19,600,000).
With his base salary at $1.035 million for 2022 and slightly under $4.8 million in both 2023 and 2024, Jackson can tap further into that overall number by triggering his bonuses. He can earn a $4 million roster bonus for 2023 and 2024 as well as a per game active bonus of $100,000 apiece.
There is a potential out after the second year of the contract. If Carolina decides to move on from Jackson after 2023, they can save approximately $10.6 million of space while taking on around $3.6 million in dead cap for 2024.