Steelers Reunion At Cornerback Suddenly Within Reach As Chargers' Demise Continues

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of the "easy part" of their schedule. As long as they do well overall, they will be in a position to add pieces at the trade deadline while they're on their bye week. They may not be willing to go big-game hunting with all the different needs they have, but some rentals likely won't cost much. Going bargain bin hunting doesn't mean that Pittsburgh will be getting bad players either, as there are plenty of quality guys from selling teams that could help now. 

There may be plenty of options for the Steelers in California. Despite having plenty of individuals with great talent, the Los Angeles Chargers are in a state of free-fall to begin the season as a team. They are 0-5 to begin the campaign, and there doesn't seem to be a reprieve from their tough schedule for a while. There have been reports of a potential fire sale to reboot the team and build for the future.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero is adding to these reports with his own. In the latest edition of The Sweep with Tom Pelissero, he brought up numerous names that could be on the trade block, including a former Steeler. 

"Win or lose Sunday, the trade calls figure to keep coming," Pelissero said. "Nine-time Pro Bowl edge Khalil Mack is a logical target. Several other starters and key contributors on defense—including Bud Dupree, Daiyan Henley, Donte Jackson, Denzel Perryman, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Tuli Tuipulotu—are also in contract years. With many teams needing running back and receiver help, it wouldn’t be a surprise if there are calls about the likes of Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, and Quentin Johnston too."

With the injury concerns and possible trust issues at cornerback, it wouldn't be surprising for general manager Omar Khan to go out and bring back Donte Jackson as an immediate upgrade. It likely wouldn't cost more than a Day 3 pick to acquire the veteran due to his age and status as a pending free agent after the 2026 season. He could provide a boost to the position group, as well as more insurance in case injuries pop up again.

Jackson wasn't even bad in his one year with Pittsburgh, as he gave up a completion percentage under 60%. His biggest issue was that he could rarely finish games, as he was constantly getting injured. He was a big-play machine on the field, as he racked up five interceptions, a fumble recovery, and eight passes defended in that 2024 season. When he's active and healthy, he is very productive. 

Jackson's snaps were limited in 2025, but that didn't stop him from being productive. On just 59% of the snaps in the season, he caught four interceptions while posting an insane 42.9% completion percentage against. He has always been a big-play threat at cornerback, but ever since his time with the Steelers, the veteran has also become a nice lockdown cornerback that makes quarterbacks look away from him.

The Steelers' cornerback room now is not bad. In fact, they lead the league in passes defended through five weeks after putting up 11 against the Indianapolis Colts. Still, it seems like there is not a ton of trust in the room with how often they play very soft zone. Rookie Daylen Everette is built as a press corner, so it would be nice to let him get some chances. If not, he can still learn as a rotational piece.

Steelers May Try To Fix Broken Receiver As Well

Pelissero also brought up Quentin Johnston's name as a potential option. The former first-round pick has loads of talent, but he has been unable to put it all together as he has constant drop issues. The hope would be that a change of scenery could help him unlock his true potential. If he's available for cheap as well as Jackson, it wouldn't hurt to take a flyer on the high-profile receiver.

What do you think about the Steelers possibly getting Jackson back? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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