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Bills Acquire 4-INT Cornerback Michael Jackson from Panthers for Veteran TE Dawson Knox, per Tom Pelissero

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Buffalo, NY – October 9, 2025

The Buffalo Bills are fighting through a crucial stretch of the season — and injuries are starting to test their defensive depth. After a narrow loss to the Patriots and back-to-back secondary setbacks, Buffalo’s once-dominant defense is showing cracks that demand an immediate fix.

Rookie corners Dorian Strong and Maxwell Hairston have both landed on injured reserve, leaving head coach Sean McDermott scrambling to fill key roles in the secondary. The front seven remains solid, but the lack of reliable coverage options has become an urgent concern for a team chasing another AFC East crown.

To address that weakness, Buffalo is finalizing a trade to acquire cornerback Michael Jackson from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for veteran tight end Dawson Knoxper NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Sources confirm that the deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized after Week 6 once medical evaluations are completed.

 

Michael Jackson, 27, has been one of the breakout defenders of 2025. He’s tallied

19 tackles, four pass breakups, and four interceptions through five games, earning an 89.1 coverage grade from Pro Football & Sports Network. His aggressive style and disciplined footwork could provide the exact spark Buffalo’s secondary needs heading into midseason.

Meanwhile, the Panthers add a proven veteran in Dawson Knox, a steady red-zone threat with 21 career touchdowns who can immediately contribute while starter Ja’Tavion Sanders recovers from injury. The 28-year-old tight end spent six productive seasons in Buffalo and remains one of Josh Allen’s most trusted targets.

According to team insiders, Jackson’s arrival could allow Buffalo to stabilize its secondary before facing the Atlanta Falcons next week. “He’s a tone-setter — physical, instinctive, and built for this system,” one Bills source said.

The trade isn’t official yet, but league insiders expect signatures to be finalized early next week. Once confirmed, it will mark another bold midseason adjustment by GM Brandon Beane

, reaffirming Buffalo’s intent to compete at the highest level.

 

If all goes as planned, Michael Jackson will don the Bills uniform by next weekend, symbolizing more than just a roster move — it’s a statement: the

Bills are reloading, refocusing, and refusing to back down.

Multiple Key Eagles Starters Suffer Injuries Following Loss to the Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles hit rock bottom Thursday night, suffering a stunning 34-17 defeat to the previously winless New York Giants. What was supposed to be a rebound game instead turned into a full display of the team’s biggest flaws — a sputtering offense, inconsistent play-calling, and a defense struggling to find its rhythm. Philadelphia’s offense looked lost once again. Saquon Barkley and the ground game never got going, while Jalen Hurts and his top receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, continued to show a lack of chemistry. First-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has yet to establish a clear identity, and the offensive rhythm remains nonexistent. To make matters worse, the defense looked out of sync, and special teams committed costly mistakes throughout the night. The loss to the 0-4 Giants was described by analysts as “inexcusable.” Injuries have certainly played a role, but they no longer explain the Eagles’ ongoing struggles. With a mini bye week ahead, the Birds desperately need time to recover and regroup. Injury Breakdown: CB Quinyon Mitchell: Suffered a hamstring injury early in the game and was ruled out after halftime. His absence was glaring, as Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo were repeatedly beaten by Giants receivers. The Eagles can’t afford to lose one of their best corners long-term. DT Jalen Carter: A surprise inactive before kickoff. Reports from NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated the MetLife Stadium turf contributed to the decision. Carter was seen walking with agent Drew Rosenhaus pregame and is expected to return soon — a must for a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure. OL Landon Dickerson: Missed the game with an ankle injury sustained against Denver. His absence was deeply felt in the running game, as Barkley and the offense lacked push up front. Dickerson’s ongoing ankle problems date back to a torn meniscus in August. EDGE Nolan Smith: Placed on IR after re-injuring his triceps, ending his season prematurely. Smith’s loss hurts particularly in run defense — since his absence, both Denver and New York have found success on the ground. CB Jakorian Bennett: The recent trade addition from Las Vegas remains on IR. His absence wouldn’t sting as much if the secondary wasn’t struggling, but with Ringo and Jackson faltering, his return after Week 9 could be crucial. OL Cam Jurgens & Lane Johnson: Both linemen played through lingering back and neck issues. Johnson has left multiple games early this season, while Jurgens is still recovering from offseason surgery. The team insists injuries aren’t an excuse — but they’re certainly part of the story. The upcoming bye week may be the Eagles’ most valuable stretch of the season. Between inconsistent play and mounting injuries, Philadelphia must use this break to reset before their next matchup — or risk seeing their season unravel even further.