Steelers Now
Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson is set to hit the open market this offseason, but he’s hoping to return to Pittsburgh in 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson is among their 24 players set to become free agents this offseason. However, while many players look forward to the opportunity to test their market, Jackson is hoping he gets the opportunity to run it back with the Steelers in 2025.
“I hope I’m back,” Jackson said on “The Christian Kuntz Podcast.” “Another free agency coming up. Just grateful to be in this spot, to be able to sign a third contract. Because man, guys don’t get to two. It’s a blessing just to be able to set myself up to sign three is awesome. Huge opportunity for me and my family. We hope we’re back. We love it, but business is business.”
The Steelers acquired Jackson in a trade that send wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March. It was a move that was highly criticized at the time, but it seems to have aged quite well since.
Johnson spent his 2024 season jumping from team to team, spending short stints with the Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. He ended the year with a career-low 33 catches for 375 yards.
Jackson, on the other hand, recorded a career-high five interceptions, which ranked sixth in the NFL, along with 38 tackles (28 solo), one fumble recovery and eight passes defensed.
The 29-year-old was picked on from time to time, but he was brought in to upgrade the team’s No. 2 corner back spot opposite Joey Porter Jr., and that’s exactly what he did.
Only time will tell whether the Steelers believe it was worth another contract with them, but Jackson will cherish the time he had in Pittsburgh, even if it was just for one year.
“From the moment we first got here, all the love just me and my family have received, it’s just been crazy,” Jackson said. “We really enjoy this organization. We really enjoy the fans. We enjoyed this year. It was one of the more memorable ones in my family.”
