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.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson during OTAs at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on May 21, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
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.
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