The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash trade for cornerback Donte Jackson last offseason and saw him record five interceptions, making an impact early in the 2024 season.
Injuries and struggles late in the season led to the Steelers letting Jackson walk in free agency this offseason. Jackson got the last laugh in the Week 10 matchup on Sunday Night Football though, picking off an Aaron Rodgers pass that bounced off wide receiver Calvin Austin III’s hands, putting a blowout win away for the Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Here’s a look at Jackson’s interception.
It’s a gimme for Jackson, but it’s one he’ll take, recording an interception against his previous team.
The Steelers shipped wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Jackson in March 2024, sending shockwaves around the NFL as Pittsburgh moved off the veteran receiver after five seasons. Pittsburgh clearly won the trade as Johnson lasted just seven games with the Panthers and had a woeful season, leading to a trade to Baltimore, getting released, signing with the Texans, getting released again and circling back with the Ravens.
While Jackson struggled with injuries during his time in Pittsburgh, he picked off five passes, recording interceptions in matchups against Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, Cleveland and Cincinnati. He missed two of the final three games of the season with injuries and then played in the playoff loss to the Ravens, logging 70% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps.
That ended up being his final game with the Steelers as he signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Chargers in free agency. His interception of Rodgers was his second of the season.
He enjoyed his lone season in Pittsburgh, stating it was a year he’ll never forget. But it had to feel good to get a pick in a blowout against a team that let him walk in free agency.
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