Steelers' Omar Khan Shares Huge Update On Donte Jackson's Future With Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold and impactful move ahead of the 2024 NFL season, trading star wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. The trade sparked plenty of excitement as fans eagerly anticipated what Jackson could bring to the Steelers’ secondary. In his first year with the team, Jackson showed flashes of his potential, racking up five interceptions. However, he also faced significant struggles, particularly in coverage, and was plagued by injuries that hindered his ability to stay on the field consistently.

As the 2024 season progressed, concerns about the Steelers' defense began to mount, especially with the unit faltering down the stretch. With Jackson now set to become a free agent, many Steelers fans are left wondering if the team will look to bring him back for the 2025 season. His inability to stay healthy and finish games has undeniably hurt his value, making his future in Pittsburgh uncertain.

Furthermore, Jackson’s performance in coverage fell short of expectations, leaving questions about whether he can be the consistent, lockdown corner the Steelers need. On Tuesday morning, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his comments hinted at the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future with the team. While Khan didn’t give a definitive answer, his subtle yet telling statement raised more questions than it answered, leaving fans wondering if Jackson will return or if the Steelers will look elsewhere for help in the secondary.

"It was a good experience with Donte," Khan said. "He got the ball back for us a lot... but he's a free agent, so all options are on the table."

The Steelers have a number of crucial questions to answer this offseason, with the wide receiver room, running back position, and quarterback situation taking center stage on offense. On the defensive side of the ball, there’s much that needs fixing. The defense’s fall from one of the league’s best to being overrun by opposing teams was a major disappointment and must be addressed in order for the team to regain its dominance.

The cornerback group, in particular, must shoulder some of the blame for the defense’s collapse down the stretch. While Joey Porter Jr. has sparked plenty of excitement about his potential, he now faces a critical year in his career. Porter will need to take that next step if he wants to solidify himself as a true star cornerback in the NFL. 

The arrival of Jackson was intended to strengthen the two outside corners, but it ultimately didn’t achieve that goal. The way the season ended only confirms this reality, leaving the Steelers with more questions than answers when it comes to their cornerback play. 

Steelers Likely Looking For Options Outside Of Donte Jackson In 2025

Hearing Khan speak about his positive experience with Jackson is interesting, but it’s important to read between the lines. While his comments were upbeat, Khan didn’t directly commit to working with Jackson to bring him back, which leaves the door open for other possibilities. Jackson did have some tremendous moments in 2024 with Pittsburgh.

It’s easy to assume that the Steelers will be exploring several options this offseason and that Jackson’s return is far from a certainty. However, this situation could change as the 2025 offseason unfolds.

With numerous questions still to be answered and a lot of areas needing improvement, the Steelers find themselves in a challenging position. They must focus on upgrading their roster as they continue their push to win now, especially with an aging defense. Jackson’s future with the team will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the offseason strategy and the Steelers' plans moving forward.

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