Former Pittsburgh Steelers CB Donte Jackson looks to have found a new home, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Jackson agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $13 million deal.
It will be Jackson’s third team in as many seasons. The Steelers acquired him via trade last March in a deal that sent WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. It was an up-and-down 2024 season for Jackson in Pittsburgh, as he started strong but faded down the stretch and dealt with injuries throughout the year. He still finished with impressive turnover numbers with five interceptions and a fumble recovery.
The Steelers appeared to add their No. 2 cornerback earlier in the day given they were talking to CB Darius Slay and could work out a deal when Slay is officially released by the Philadelphia Eagles. It seems as if Pittsburgh prioritized outside options over re-signing Jackson, and while he could’ve returned as depth and competed for a starting job, it’s not a surprise he’s looking for another opportunity elsewhere. The Chargers have a need at cornerback and with CB Asante Samuel Jr. hitting free agency, it’s one they’re looking to take care of by bringing in Donte Jackson.
Prior to his stint in Pittsburgh, he spent six seasons with the Panthers. His five interceptions last season were a career high, but Jackson’s had a penchant for creating turnovers throughout his career. He has 19 career interceptions with two or more interceptions in each of his first five seasons with Carolina.
Jackson’s deal adds a 2026 sixth-round compensatory pick to the Steelers’ formula via Over The Cap’s Nick Korte. It could always get canceled out with another move, but for now, losing Jackson has added to Pittsburgh’s draft capital for next year.
Cornerback remains a need for the Steelers, who will need to address the position in free agency or the draft. They missed out on a few of the top corners already today, but there’s still talent remaining at the position, including Charvarius Ward, who may be the best cornerback available. Even if Slay joins the fold, Pittsburgh will need to add depth and potentially also a starting slot corner, unless the team is confident in Beanie Bishop Jr. taking over that role full-time in 2025.
Jackson’s departure isn’t unexpected, but his ball production may be missed even though he struggled down the stretch.
