Mike Jackson Sr. and 4 Carolina Panthers players most likely to re-sign in 2025

This is a critical offseason for the Carolina Panthers. They have stability for the first time under David Tepper’s ownership. Taking advantage of this newfound stability is crucial.

Before general manager Dan Morgan tackles free agency and the pre-draft assessment phase, he must decide what to do with the current playing personnel. The Panthers have free agents to either re-sign or let go. Some could be sacrificed or extended ahead of time. It’s a busy time of year that will keep fans engaged before the time comes to resume football activities.

The Panthers are on the right track. They made improvements over the second half of 2024 and the culture within the building is vastly enhanced under head coach Dave Canales. It also helps that Bryce Young cemented his status as the team’s starting quarterback next season.

It’ll be interesting to see how Morgan and salary-cap guru Brandt Tilis handle this offseason. They need to maximize every resource available. Getting the cap number up would be preferable. They also have nine draft selections to bolster depth and find instant difference-makers.

That’s for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Panthers players most likely to re-sign in 2025. We’ll begin with veteran cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.

Carolina Panthers players most likely to re-sign in 2025

Mike Jackson Sr. – Carolina Panthers CB

The Carolina Panthers made plenty of quality moves during general manager Dan Morgan’s first offseason at the helm. Acquiring Mike Jackson Sr. via trade from the Seattle Seahawks was one of them.

This was a reactionary transaction from the Panthers. Morgan would have probably stood pat had it not been for Dane Jackson’s hamstring complication shortly before the campaign. The front-office leader deserves credit for striking with conviction and securing the services of a high-value option capable of slotting into Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 base system flawlessly.

Jackson formed a productive partnership with Jaycee Horn on the boundary. The Panthers had plenty of problems with their historically bad defense, but this cornerback tandem provided stability amid the doom and gloom.

The former Miami standout was an ever-present in the lineup. He finished with 13 pass breakups, which ranked second league-wide according to Pro Football Focus. Jackson was a constant and performed consistently. Acquiring him for seventh-round pick Michael Barrett was cost-effective at an important time.

Dave Canales’ comments suggested a new deal would be coming Jackson’s way. The Panthers could add another cornerback at some stage, but the veteran did enough for an extended stay.

J.J. Jansen – Carolina Panthers LS

J.J. Jansen is part of the furniture. He’s the Carolina Panthers’ longest-serving player by a considerable margin. He’s the franchise record holder for consecutive appearances. The long-snapper is as dependable as they come despite his advancing years.

Jansen is respected in the locker room. He’s one of the last remaining members from the team’s Super Bowl run in 2015. He’s rooted in the fabric of the franchise and knows the importance of the proud traditions that made them an NFL powerhouse once upon a time.

That should be enough to get Jansen a new deal. However, he’s also the model of consistency and never puts a foot wrong.

There aren’t many better long-snappers around the league. Jansen earned Pro Bowl consideration without quite doing enough. A new deal is the least he deserves.

One couldn’t blame Jansen for considering his future. He’s been going for 16 years as a professional and never missed a game. Having just turned 39 years old, the veteran could take this opportunity to hang up his cleats for good.

There’s just no telling for sure. But if Jansen decides to give it one more year with the Panthers showing signs of life under Dave Canales, those in power should only be too happy to oblige.

Cade Mays – Carolina Panthers OL

When starting center Austin Corbett was ruled out for the season with a torn bicep, it threatened to derail the team’s fantastic improvements along the offensive line. A blow to one player is an opportunity to another. That proved to be the case with Cade Mays.

Brady Christensen initially took over at the center position. However, his services were needed elsewhere when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu missed time. The Panthers had to pivot, and they opted to bring back a familiar face.

Mays was signed off the New York Giants practice squad and immediately thrown into the fire. Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert got to work on improving his technique and familiarizing him with the blocking concepts. The improvements were immediate.

The former sixth-round selection benefitted enormously from the presence of Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt alongside him on the interior. Mays communicated well pre-snap and looked much more polished compared to previous seasons. The fact he didn’t give up a sack and conceded just two quarterback hurries from 495 offensive snaps spoke volumes.

With Corbett, Christensen, and Mays all out of contract, the Panthers have a big decision to make. Considering the Tennessee product’s progress and the fact it wouldn’t cost the earth to keep him around, it seems like a no-brainer.

Raheem Blackshear – Carolina Panthers RB/KR

Raheem Blackshear might not ever become a prominent contributor in the running back room. He flashed brief moments of promise throughout the campaign, but nothing to suggest he could handle a heavy workload at any stage.

However, he deserves credit for finding another way to make a lasting contribution.

Blackshear saw what was unfolding and reacted accordingly. The Carolina Panthers had Chuba Hubbard as the No. 1 option. Miles Sanders was still around as the veteran backup. The team also traded up to No. 46 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft for Jonathon Brooks despite the fact he was recovering from a torn ACL.

This left Blackshear way down the pecking order. The Panthers and the player switched gears slightly, focusing their attention on whether the former undrafted free agent could be a difference-maker on special teams.

Specifically, in the return game.

Blackshear earned the starting kick returner job this offseason and took off. He emerged as one of the league’s best performers in this discipline and was in consideration for the Pro Bowl. There were even nine All-Pro votes allocated in his direction.

The Virginia Tech product is a restricted free agent entering the offseason. Carolina would be wise to keep him around after Blackshear carved out a tremendous niche for himself.

Sam Franklin Jr. – Carolina Panthers S

It didn’t take long for Sam Franklin Jr. to make an impression on Dave Canales. The head coach was blown away by his energy and infectious personality. He might not be the league’s most talented safety, but he’ll never be found wanting for effort.

Franklin was dealt a blow during camp. The standout special teams ace fractured his foot and went to injured reserve. He wasn’t seen in a competitive setting again until Week 8 at the Denver Broncos.

The former undrafted free agent out of Temple picked up where he left off. Franklin never backed down from a challenge, providing explosiveness and accomplished coverage on special teams. His involvement on the defensive rotation was extremely limited, but he’s a prolific performer in this specialist discipline.

There aren’t many acquisitions made by former head coach Matt Rhule who carved out long-term careers for themselves in Carolina. Franklin is one of the very few success stories from that brutal period in franchise history. His effort, enthusiasm, and leadership also fit into the culture Canales is trying to build.

The Temple product is an unrestricted free agent and would probably draw interest on the market if Carolina lets things get that far. Tying him down to another deal — whether it be short-term or long into the future — is an attainable objective.