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 Knox, per 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.