6 free agents the Steelers have to keep an eye on in 2022 offseason

Steelers should consider Jackson

The Steelers are more than likely going to let veteran Joe Haden walk as a free agent next offseason given his age. This opens up a huge hole at cornerback, and it’s one that the team will have to fill at some point. While the team could draft a cornerback, their track record there is less than stellar. Signing a talented veteran makes more sense.

A name that makes a lot of sense is Donte Jackson, as the current Panther cornerback fills the same criteria that a player like Peppers fills with his speed, age, and draft pedigree. Add in the fact that he has regularly been one of the best corners in the league and he would be a huge get for this defense. He would instantly take on Haden’s role as a top cornerback and add yet another talented player into this secondary.

Something that Jackson has in spades is speed. The Steelers’ current secondary group is lacking there, so adding a speedy corner like Jackson would be a plus. Cameron Sutton can continue to play as both the starting outside and inside cornerback while James Pierre can continue his development as a defender. Signing a veteran is a far safer bet than drafting one, and Jackson would be a great fit for this aggressive defense.

While there is still quite a bit of time between now and the 2022 offseason, the Steelers’ bad start has to have them thinking about the future. These six pending free agents should be some of the top ones on the team’s list next offseason. Each would fill a huge need and be a solid addition to a roster lacking talent.