The Pittsburgh Steelers have a cornerback problem that fans didn't see coming. During the 2025 offseason, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan took a proactive approach by signing former All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay to a fully guaranteed $10 million contract before trading for another former All-Pro, Jalen Ramsey.
But their decision to let Donte Jackson walk during the 2025 free agency period is already blowing up in their face.
Jackson, a long-time veteran CB and second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had five interceptions with the Steelers as a starting cornerback in 2024. While his performance was inconsistent in Pittsburgh, he had big moments and showcased impressive ball skills. Without a contract, Jackson elected to join the LA Chargers during the 2025 offseason.
Now, entering Week 12, Jackson is having a career year with the Chargers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should regret swapping Donte Jackson for Darius Slay in free agency
Through his first 11 games, Jackson has recorded eight passes defensed and three interceptions while holding receivers to 15 receptions on 33 targets for just 173 yards, per Pro Football Reference.
Jackson's 5.2 yards per target allowed is a career-best for the veteran cornerback, and he's surrendered just a 44.1 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. This is the second-lowest passer rating allowed in the NFL among all qualifying cornerbacks.
With Slay, it's been just the opposite. The seasoned NFL cornerback has been largely ineffective in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers since leaving the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay has been banged up frequently, but in nine games with the Steelers, he's recorded just three passes defensed without an interception.
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In two fewer games played than Jackson, Slay has been credited with allowing 30 receptions on 40 targets (75.0 percent completion) for 337 yards (8.4 yards per attempt) and a touchdown, via PFR. This equates to a 108.0 passer rating allowed.
Most fans assumed that Slay would have been an instant upgrade over Jackson, but the opposite has been the case. The unfortunate reality is that Jackson is having a career season since leaving the Steelers, while Slay is arguably having the worst year of his NFL career.
Jackson turned 30 years old this week, but compared to Slay—who turns 35 years old on New Year's Day—Jackson is still young. Slay is two years older than the next oldest cornerback to take a snap in the NFL this season... and that's saying something.
Donte Jackson was frustrating at times for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, but Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are discovering that aging players with high-profile reputations (like Darius Slay) aren't always the answer. The Steelers clearly made a mistake swapping Jackson for Slay in free agency.