PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves and they’re making big ones. This time, it’s through a trade, sending wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for veteran cornerback Donte Jackson.
The full terms of the trade include the Steelers sending Johnson and a seventh-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Jackson and a sixth-round pick.
Jackson, 28, has spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Panthers. The former second-round pick has 14 career interceptions and 46 career passes defensed. Last season, despite it being his first without an interception, he allowed just 67.2% of passes thrown his way to be completed and recorded five passes defensed along with five tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Jackson will join Joey Porter Jr. in the Steelers’ cornerback room as the two assumed starters. Pittsburgh has done their homework on options in the NFL Draft, and are expected to select a rookie defensive back at some point, but will now have breathing room with the addition of a veteran.
Currently, the Steelers cornerback room includes Jackson, Porter Jr., Darius Rush and Cory Trice.
Jackson is entering the final year of his contract and set to take on a $10.5 million cap hit this season. Johnson’s cap hit as $15 million.
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