Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Monday’s move by the Panthers to sign receiver/return man Dexter Jackson to the practice squad is very interesting -- on several levels.
First, the signing of Jackson comes as the Panthers prepare to play Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Bucs are the team that cut Jackson in the preseason. Hmm, anybody think the Panthers might have signed Jackson so they can get a look inside Tampa Bay’s playbook? I hate to be the one to tell the Panthers, but if they want someone who can show them what the Tampa Bay offense is going to do, they got the wrong guy. A big part of the reason why the Bucs cut Jackson was because he never picked up the offense.
Besides, does an alleged defensive guru like John Fox really need someone to explain Tampa Bay’s offense? It’s not that complicated.
However, if this move is about giving Jackson a chance, it’s worth a shot. He’s something of a local guy in Carolina because he went to school at Appalachian State. He also has excellent speed. Coming in as a practice-squad guy, the expectations won’t be nearly as high as they were in Tampa Bay when he was a second-round draft choice. Jackson has a chance to re-start his career. But, first, he has to learn Carolina’s playbook.
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Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.