Steelers Face Tough Offseason Decisions at Quarterback and Defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a pivotal offseason ahead, with major decisions looming—particularly at quarterback. The team has expressed interest in retaining one of their 2024 starters, either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, but reports suggest it’s “unlikely” both will return.
While quarterback remains a top priority, the Steelers also face key questions on defense. Pittsburgh’s defense was arguably its strongest unit last season, making it essential for general manager Omar Khan to keep as much of the roster intact as possible. However, that may prove difficult, especially when it comes to cornerback Donte Jackson.
Donte Jackson’s Future in Pittsburgh
Jackson had an impressive start to the 2024 season, playing a crucial role in the defense’s early success. However, like the rest of the unit, his performance declined in the second half of the season. The key question for Pittsburgh is whether Jackson contributed to the late-season struggles or was simply affected by the defense’s collective dip in form.
Last season, Jackson played on a one-year, $6 million contract, including a $4.75 million signing bonus—a bargain considering his production, even if it wasn’t sustained all year. But re-signing him won’t come cheap.
Will the Steelers Pay Up?
According to Spotrac, Jackson’s next contract could be worth around $12 million per year, a price tag that may be too high for Pittsburgh, given its other roster needs—especially on offense. The Steelers currently have $43 million in projected cap space for 2025, but committing a significant portion of that to a 30-year-old cornerback could be a tough sell.
With tough financial decisions ahead, the Steelers will have to carefully balance their priorities, deciding whether to invest in Jackson or allocate resources elsewhere. One thing is certain—big changes are coming to Pittsburgh this offseason.