During NFL free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers may start addressing a few key problems. However, Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette anticipated that the Steelers would concentrate on cornerbacks during his weekly fan discussion on March 6. Dulac brought up seasoned cornerback Adoree’ Jackson in response to a question about particular prospective free agent targets.
“Three UFAs on the Steelers roster—Wallace, Sullivan, and Pierre—could result in a CB via free agency,” stated Dulac.
“And I believe that type of player is mid-range, like Adoree Jackson; guys who can start while the Steelers assess whether Cory Trice can be helpful.”
For the New York Giants in the previous season, Jackson started 14 games. In all, he recorded 63 tackles, 8 pass defenses, and 1 interception. Jackson scored a 76-yard touchdown after returning that pick.
This summer, Spotrac estimated Jackson’s value at $45.4 million for a four-year contract.
Dulac also identified Kendall Fuller as a possible mid-range free agent target for the Steelers at cornerback, in addition to Jackson.
Jackson was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, where he started his career. He got right into it, recording 17 pass defenses in his debut season. In his second season, Jackson again finished in the double figures in pass defenses.
His fifth-year option was picked up by the Titans before the 2020 campaign began. But in Week 3, Jackson had a knee injury that ended his season. Then, Jackson was cut by the Titans the following spring.
Jackson inked a three-year, $39 million deal with the Giants during his free agency. In each of his three seasons with New York, he amassed 50 total tackles and eight pass defenses.
Jackson has recorded 56 pass defenses and 4 interceptions in seven NFL seasons. In addition, he has 376 total tackles, 9 of which have been for loss.
Over his career, he has started 77 games. Jackson might start against 2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. for the Steelers.
Cory Trice, another 2023 draft choice, is a contender for a larger role in Pittsburgh in 2024, as Dulac noted. However, Trice is making a comeback after an ACL tear he sustained at the 2023 training camp.
The Steelers’ three veteran cornerbacks this summer are James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan, and Levi Wallace. They are all unrestricted free agents. However, Patrick Peterson, another veteran, has a contract.
Although Peterson led the Steelers in defensive snaps in 2023, it wouldn’t be shocking if the team decided to start someone else in his place. Peterson, who will turn 34 in July, may see more time at safety and nickel cornerback in 2024.
It’s interesting to note that Pro Football Focus has far lower projections for Jackson’s offseason market. As the eighth-best cornerback expected to be available in free agency, PFF projected that Jackson would get a $6 million, one-year contract. It should come as no surprise that Dulac fielded a number of questions about free agency in his March 6 fan chat.
A reader inquired about Dulac’s prediction on the free agent the Steelers would sign. Interestingly, the Steelers insider said it might rely on whether the team can re-sign quarterback Mason Rudolph instead than speculating about names.
Dulac wrote, “Some of that will depend on what Mason Rudolph does.”
A different reader estimated that Rudolph would make $10 million in two seasons. “That’s about the price range the Steelers will offer, no more,” wrote Dulac in response.
It’s a little surprise, since that’s a fairly cheap contract for an NFL quarterback, that Dulac thought Rudolph would have a significant impact on the Steelers’ free agency decisions.
However, Rudolph’s return will have a big impact on the setup of the team’s quarterback room. The Steelers may have to spend more money to find depth behind center if they are unable to persuade Rudolph to return. March 6: According to a Spotrac estimate, the Steelers have $9.57 million in cap space.
