The Seattle Seahawks turned a weakness into a strength on Thursday when they signed rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the Carolina Panthers. General manager John Schneider sent cornerback Mike Jackson the other way. Jackson’s departure from a deep corner position will provide more opportunities for young rookies like DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett.
Another linebacker in the race.
We made a trade with the Carolina Panthers for rookie LB Michael Barrett in exchange for CB Michael Jackson. pic.twitter.com/eJeWlNP5FE
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) 22 August 2024
Jackson, a 2019 fifth-round pick, lost his spot in the deep defensive backfield this offseason. Jackson started the 2022 season opposite Riq Woolen. He was a league-average cornerback, allowing a respectable 62% completion rate on passes thrown to him, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jackson was replaced in the starting lineup by Tre Brown before the 2023 season. Brown seized his opportunity, and the offseason saw more changes on defense when head coach Mike Macdonald replaced Pete Carroll. Macdonald brought his brilliant defensive system and Schneider signed James and Pritchett to better appease the scheme.
Jackson has established himself as a depth cornerback. The Seahawks understandably prefer to use those positions for young players with longer-term potential. They also did not add free agent Carlton Johnson to the roster. Johnson has impressed in spurts and tried to make the 53-man roster. His chances improved after Jackson’s trade.
Pritchett spent the preseason playing almost exclusively on the outside line. James has been a bit more versatile, splitting his time between the outside and the inside. Jackson’s departure virtually guarantees that both Pritchett and James will appear on Seattle’s initial 53-man roster next week.
The Seahawks needed more depth at linebacker with projected starter Jerome Baker out for several weeks with an injury. With Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell offering little to no long-term potential, the arrival of Barrett offers the Seahawks a potential solution for the future. Having Barrett and Tyrice Knight as rookies in the linebacker room will be beneficial.
Trading Jackson for more linebacker depth was a worthwhile move.
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This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: How the Mike Jackson trade impacts the Seahawks’ CB room
