Carolina Panthers ink cornerback Troy Hill to new deal ahead of free agency

Before the NFL’s league new year on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers inked veteran cornerback Troy Hill to a new one-year deal, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 2023 season was Hill’s first in Carolina, but he’ll spend at least one more with the team thanks to his new contract. He tallied 48 tackles in 16 games played, along with one forced fumble, one interception and three tackles for loss this year.

Prior to signing with the Panthers last August, the 32-year-old appeared in and started in 12 games in 2022 for the Rams in his second stint with the organization recording 67 tackles, defending four passes, and securing one interception.

The former undrafted free agent out of Oregon has played for the Bengals, Rams, Browns and Panthers so far in his eight-year career. Next season will be his ninth year after entering the league in 2015. He’s accumulated 382 tackles, nine interceptions, three touchdowns, three sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles so far. His last deal was for one-year, $1.265 million.

Re-signing Hill was a much-needed move for the Panthers secondary, which is expected to part ways with cornerback Donte Jackson before next season.

Panthers expected to release/trade Donte Jackson

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly expected to trade or release veteran corner Donte Jackson, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler. The cornerback is owed a $4 million roster bonus after the league new year in mid-March, so the Panthers could make a move either way before March 16. Releasing Jackson would also save the team $5.9M against the 2024 salary cap.

This season was a comeback year for Jackson after he suffered a torn Achilles in 2022. The former LSU star went on IR after nine games last season but played 16 this year as the Panthers won just two games. Despite making a full recovery from his injury, the 2023 season was his first in the league without an interception. He tallied 59 tackles with one forced fumble, however.

A second-round pick out of LSU in 2018, Jackson has been a starter with the Panthers ever since. They selected him as No. 55 overall after he was a second-team All-American for the Tigers in 2017. He has recorded 302 tackles, 14 interceptions and 46 passes defended in six seasons in the NFL.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.