The past: An SEC champion sprinter who tied for the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL combine, Jackson was one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC as a junior. After declaring for the draft, Jackson was a second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. He immediately became a starter and over six NFL seasons in that capacity accumulated 14 interceptions, 46 passes defended, three forced fumbles, 15 tackles for loss and a “pick six” for a touchdown.
Last season, though, was the first in which he did not have an interception. In part as a result, according to Pro Football Focus opposing quarterbacks had the 11th-best passer rating (111.1) when targeting Jackson of any cornerback in the NFL last season who played at least 630 snaps.
Entering the final season of a three-year $35.1 million contract and owed a salary of about $11 million in 2024, the rebuilding Panthers sought to move on. They reportedly were considering a release but found a trade partner in the Steelers, who themselves were looking for relief from a hefty cap figure for the final season of receiver Diontae Johnson’s contract. The teams swapped the veterans, with the Steelers netting a slight upgrade in late-round picks in the process.
2024 outlook: The Steelers quickly got Jackson to agree to reduce his earnings (and cap number) to $6 million. Though the move left a significant void at wide receiver, it has helped stabilize the secondary after the Steelers elected to move on from 33-year-old Patrick Peterson. Jackson has extensive experience on both sides of the defense as an outside cornerback, but he’s also been around long enough that Carolina was not afraid to deploy him in the slot or even as a safety at times. With the Steelers, he figures to play on the outside opposite Joey Porter Jr. Steelers coaches intend on deploying Porter in his second season as a “shutdown corner” who follows around an opponent’s designated No. 1 threat. That would leave Jackson on the other side, but don’t discount the possibility that it could be matchup-dependent. As defensive coordinator Teryl Austin recently said, Jackson’s game is speed-based while Porter tends to be more of a press-style, physical corner. A team that might have a disparate pairing of top receivers might be approached appropriately.
On an expiring contract and with a new team as he turns 29 midway through the season, Jackson’s career is at something of a crossroads. It was clear the Panthers wanted to move on, but the Steelers legitimately believe he can be a solid No. 2 cornerback next to budding star Porter.