New Steelers Cornerback Donte Jackson Is A 'Number 2 Or 3' Cornerback, 'Don't Lose Too Much Sleep Over That'

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big shakeup when they sent former Pro Bowl receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson. Johnson was entering the final year of his contract after an up-and-down tenure in Pittsburgh. Jackson comes to Pittsburgh eager to prove that he's a top player and get out of the shadow of playing for a rebuilding Panthers franchise. Former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats is a big fan of Jackson's tape and says fans should have faith in the 55th overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft.

During a recent episode of The Arthur Moats Experience With Deke, the pair was asked about the trade that sent Johnson packing and brought Jackson to Pittsburgh. 

"You should have faith in Donte Jackson," Moats said. "Donte Jackson is going to be a fine cornerback two and worst case, he's going to fall to cornerback three." 

Jackson has dealt with injuries in his career. He suffered a groin injury in 2021 that landed him on injured reserve with four games left in the season. In 2022, he was limited to just nine games after suffering an Achilles tendon tear. He returned and played in 16 of 17 games in 2023. 

Jackson had a propensity for forcing interceptions before his 2023 season. He had at least two picks per season before ending 2023 with none. Jackson also had a tougher time in coverage in 2023 as he returned from the injury. He gave up three touchdowns and a career-high passer rating of 107.7. Moats doesn't see that as a concern. 

"Last season to me was the first time in his career that he did not produce a turnover, in terms of interceptions, and typically he's a multiple interception guy. That was his first season back from an Achilles injury, but he played the whole season, started, and played fine. I still feel like we're going to be good with him. Don't lose too much sleep on that."       

During the 2023 season, Pittsburgh made changes to their cornerback positions. Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson were initially the team's starting outside cornerbacks, but they were later replaced. In Peterson's case, he moved to safety to help out when depth was thin at that position. As the season progressed, Joey Porter Jr. became the team's starting outside cornerback and looks to hold onto that position for the foreseeable future. 

Even with Jackson's presence at cornerback, the team likely isn't done making moves at the position. Wallace is a free agent and so is Peterson. There's been chatter that Peterson could return, but he would be back in a depth role and mentor. 

Steelers Are Still Destined For More Cornerback Help

You can never have enough depth in the NFL. Pittsburgh learned it the hard way in 2023, with injuries at inside linebacker and safety. As currently constructed, Pittsburgh would be relying on some inexperienced players to come in and fill the void if injuries struck at cornerback. 

The team's primary backups at the position are Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. However, both of them lack significant professional experience. Trice suffered a non-contact lower-body injury in training camp and missed his rookie season in 2023. Rush was drafted in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts, but ended up on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad before eventually joining Pittsburgh. He played in just 39 defensive snaps for the team in three games. 

Pittsburgh has been looking at cornerback options in the draft. The organization hosted Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins for a visit in the pre-draft process. He is regarded as one of the top options in the 2024 draft class. 

While Moats said he's comfortable with Jackson as the second corner, if the team can add a player to push him to number three, he'd be in favor of it.