The Pittsburgh Steelers faced criticism for acquiring cornerback Donte Jackson due to his cap hit. But the Steelers have resolved the issue.
On March 18, Over the Cap reported that the Steelers and Jackson have agreed to a new one-year contract with a guaranteed $4.75 million.
According to Over the Cap, Jackson’s cap hit will be $6 million in 2024. His original cap hit for the coming season was $10.52 million.
On March 12, the Steelers acquired Jackson from the Carolina Panthers in a trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The teams also agreed to swap late Day 3 picks.
Pittsburgh received the 178th overall pick, while Carolina received the 240th pick.
The Steelers’ new contract with Donte Jackson creates additional cap space.
With Jackson’s new contract, the Steelers have a little more cap space. On March 18, Over the Cap revealed that the Steelers had $15.65 million in cap space remaining this summer.
However, the Steelers may be able to increase their cap room this offseason through other deal restructures or extensions. The top candidates for reworked agreements in Pittsburgh are on the defensive side of the ball.
SI.com’s All Steelers’ Noah Strackbein has mentioned edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, as well as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as contract renegotiation prospects. Cameron Heyward, a defensive lineman, might also earn an extension to help alleviate his $22.4 million cap cost.
Watt, Heyward, Fitzpatrick, and Highsmith presently represent approximately 34% of the team’s salary space.
Following Jackson’s restructure, the Steelers have a new starting cornerback with a $6 million cap charge. Jackson started 16 games for the Panthers in season, recording 59 total tackles and 5 pass defenses.
In 80 NFL games, Jackson has 303 total tackles, 46 pass defenses, and 14 interceptions. He has started 76 games throughout his career.
Steelers still need to fill several positions.
Lowering Jackson’s cap number allows the Steelers to reap even more benefits from the Jackson-Johnson trade. However, the increased cap space is the most crucial.
The Steelers still have openings at center, wide receiver, and safety. The squad could also need more depth on the defensive line and at cornerback.
There is also the possibility that Pittsburgh will add a new right tackle and move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to left tackle to replace Dan Moore Jr about $30.9 million left to spend.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns have approximately $14.1 million and $5.9 million left, respectively.
