Impending free agent cornerback Donte Jackson could intrigue several teams but the Saints, Chiefs may be his highest bidders. One Bleacher Report says the veteran could land with the Vikings but the reality is that he might have a market no one expects. Originally selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former LSU product became a somewhat reliable Nickleback in the league, recording 63 solo tackles, one sack, nine pass deflections and team-leading four interceptions for the Carolina Panthers. However, after pairing with Jaycee Horn in 2021, he got better until the next two seasons when he was on the “unable to perform” list.
Later, the Panthers decided to trade Jackson to the Steelers in 2024 where interest was mutual between him and head coach Mike Tomlin. Injuries have been slowing him down that season but he could easily rejuvenate with the right team if the Steelers decide not to sign him back. Jackson will likely become a free agent since all the chatter has been on the quarterback situation between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields despite racking up five interceptions in 15 games. The veteran might not be a superstar like some cornerbacks in the league, but he shows consistency so he should have some type of interest in March.
“Underrated” Free Agent Donte Jackson Cornerback Could Intrigue Saints, Chiefs
The New Lattimore?
The New Orleans Saints need all the help they can get in the worst way, but the salary cap outlook doesn’t look like they’ll do much. The team will bring back quarterback Derek Carr for now considering the veteran is in no position to take a pay cut. This may force the roster to either trade Carr or release several veterans on their defense, including safety Tyrann Mathieu and defensive end Cameron Jordan. The Saints will have no choice either way since trading away Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo wants to hit the free agent market, they’ll need some veteran help to assist Kool-Aid McKinstry.
General Manager Mickey Loomis said before he isn’t rebuilding but with the team in salary cap, he can’t act foolish and has to face reality. Jackson could give this team some temporary relief on the opposite side of McKinstry while the Saints will turn to the draft to rebuild their roster. There’s no clear sign on what will happen to the defense but since they’re at risk of losing some veteran pieces, they should act quickly and sign Jackson on a one-year deal at least for emergency depth.
Goodbye Justin Reid
The Kansas City Chiefs’ future beyond whether they win the Super Bowl or not does not look good to be on the team long-term. This means the roster will have to get creative to bring some of their playmakers back on a reduced contract. However, chances are, the leverage is against them so they might have to sacrifice at least one side of the ball to make that happen. Several defensive free agents such as Justin Reid, Nick Bolton and Josh Uche have high chances of leaving the team.
They could embrace losing Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins while they build upon their defense. Mahomes was able to last without these two wideouts before and he might be able to do the same next season. Jackson is more than capable of replicating the success that Trent McDuffie has had on the field since trading L’Jarius Sneed. This new duo could be molded into the team easily if the team knew how to use Jackson correctly.
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