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Chargers Agree to Sign Away Steelers Starting Cornerback
The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson as a free agent, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Jackson and the Chargers have agreed to a two-year deal that will pay him $13 million. He earned $6 million on a re-worked contract with the Steelers in 2024, after he joined the team last March in a trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
He made 15 starts for the Steelers last season, leading the team with five interceptions. Jackson also made 38 tackles, two tackles for loss, defended eight passes and recovered a fumble.
Jackson got out to a hot start for the Steelers last season, with three of his five interceptions in the first six weeks of the season. A back injury suffered against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8 sapped his season of most of its momentum.
Jackson played just 24 snaps the following week, leaving the game against the Philadelphia Eagles after his back flared up, leaving the team in a lurch at cornerback. He missed the Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens, retuned the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs, missed the Week 18 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but then played in the Wild Card Game loss to the Ravens.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was targeted 10 times over his last three games, allowing 10 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and he did not have an interception or a pass breakup.
The tough finish to the season was likely a cause of the Steelers deciding not to bring Jackson back. They have reportedly agreed to a deal with Philadelphia Eagles veteran cornerback Darius Slay to replace Jackson.