Donte Jackson, one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ key defensive players, will be a name to look out for when he enters free agency this offseason.
The Steelers’ defense is one of the biggest reasons they will compete in the playoffs this season. Pittsburgh has allowed the eighth-fewest points per game this season, 20.4. Jackson, whom the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers before the start of the season, has been one of the biggest contributors to the defense despite missing time due to injury.
The Steelers division rival Cincinnati Bengals were listed as a possible landing spot for Jackson in free agency, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
“Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson dealt with a back injury late in the regular season and was more efficient early than late,” Knox said. “However, the 29-year-old still had a career year in Pittsburgh. Jackson, who was a largely reliable starter in Carolina as well, recorded eight passes defended and five interceptions in 2024 while allowing an opposing passer rating of just 69.9 in coverage.”
“He may not be an elite cover corner, but he’s an underrated tackle in run support and has tremendous ball skills. However, any team seeking a proven, productive starting cornerback should be interested. The Bengals, who had secondary issues of their own in 2024, should also be interested. They poached cornerback Mike Hilton away from Pittsburgh in 2021.”
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The Bengals’ defense has been one of the worst in the league this season, allowing 25.5 points per game. Even with quarterback Joe Burrow having an MVP-caliber season, the team still missed the playoffs. Adding a corner like Jackson is a much-needed improvement for the Bengals’ defense if they want to compete next season.
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