The Pittsburgh Steelers turned heads when they traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in what was practically a pick-and-player swap. The player they got in return was cornerback Donte Jackson, who has made an instant impact in his first season as a Steeler.
As it currently stands, Jackson is tied for second in the NFL in interceptions with five, two behind Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney. Jackson has already set a new career-high in interceptions, topping his previous career-high of four which he set as a rookie in 2018. He was asked about potentially leading the league in picks, and if it was something he expected when he was traded to Pittsburgh.
“100 percent,” Jackson said. “I always knew what type of player I worked on myself a lot this offseason, so I expected to come here and ball out.”
#Steelers CB Donte Jackson has a career-high and AFC-leading five interceptions.
Did he expect to have this type of production?
“100 percent. I always knew what type of player I was. … I worked on myself a lot this offseason, so I expected to come here and ball out.” pic.twitter.com/TwuYArXEmu
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) December 5, 2024
With the ongoing Diontae Johnson saga in Baltimore, the trade looks better by the day for the Steelers, who seem to always be one step ahead when it comes to roster moves.
