The Pittsburgh Steelers made a valuable addition to their defense by trading for cornerback Donte Jackson this offseason. At 29, Jackson is having a standout year, arguably the best of his career. But this impressive performance also presents a dilemma: Jackson’s current one-year contract means he could be looking for a bigger payday next season, and the Steelers might hesitate to invest heavily in a player nearing 30.
A potential free-agency alternative could be Minnesota Vikings corner Byron Murphy, as suggested by Bleacher Report. The 27-year-old is flourishing under the guidance of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who previously worked with the Steelers. Flores’ aggressive scheme has allowed Murphy to excel, showing he can press and play with physicality—qualities that would fit seamlessly into Pittsburgh’s defensive style. Bringing in Murphy could give the Steelers two corners adept at thriving in press coverage while adding youth to the position.
The Steelers face a strategic decision: Retain Jackson, who has proven invaluable through 10 games, or consider a long-term investment in a younger, proven cornerback like Murphy, who already aligns with the Steelers’ defensive philosophy.
