**Seahawks Trade CB Michael Jackson to Panthers for LB Michael Barrett**
The Seahawks and Panthers have completed a trade, marking the third NFL trade on Thursday. Seattle has sent cornerback Michael Jackson to Carolina in exchange for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Both teams confirmed the trade.
Michael Jackson, a five-year NFL veteran, has played for three different teams. Originally drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round, Jackson made his NFL debut with the Lions during his rookie season. He appeared in just one game for Detroit and another the following season with the Patriots before finding a more consistent role with the Seahawks over the past three years.
In Seattle, Jackson saw limited action during his first season but became a full-time starter in 2022. That year, he played over 1,000 defensive snaps, recording 75 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and his first career interception. However, after the Seahawks selected Devon Witherspoon with a top draft pick, Jackson lost his starting position. Witherspoon and Riq Woolen are set to be Seattle’s starting cornerbacks this season, with new rookies Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James, along with returning veteran Artie Burns, providing additional depth.
In May, Jackson agreed to a restructured contract that included a signing bonus but no guaranteed base salary of $1.06 million, leading to doubts about his place on the roster. Now headed to Carolina, Jackson will have a good opportunity to secure a role in the Panthers’ secondary, especially since the team has been looking to bolster their cornerback options. Carolina recently made a failed bid for Stephon Gilmore, who signed with the Vikings. They also traded Donte Jackson earlier this offseason, leaving Dane Jackson—who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and may start the season on injured reserve—as a key figure in their cornerback group.
The Panthers’ interest in reinforcing their secondary led them to acquire Jackson, filling a need and making a rare trade involving a rookie before their debut. The rookie involved, Michael Barrett, was selected by the Panthers in the seventh round of this year’s draft. Now in Seattle, Barrett will compete for a roster spot, especially given the team’s need for depth due to Jerome Baker’s hamstring injury.
Barrett, a former Michigan Wolverine, is familiar to Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who coached him as Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
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