Steelers float as possible bidder for projected $45m CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several issues that they could address during NFL free agency.

However, during his weekly fan discussion on March 6, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac anticipated that the Steelers would focus on cornerbacks. When questioned about particular prospective free agent targets, Dulac brought up veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

“Free agency could produce a CB because three that the Steelers have — Wallace, Sullivan, Pierre — are all UFAs,” Dulac wrote in a blog post.

“And I think mid-range players such as Adoree Jackson are that type — guys who can come in and start while the Steelers find out if Cory Trice can help them.”

Jackson started 14 games for the New York Giants last year. He recorded 63 total tackles, 8 pass defenses, and one interception. Jackson returned the pick for a 76-yard score.

This summer, Spotrac predicted Jackson’s deal value to be $45.4 million over four years.

In addition to Jackson, Dulac suggested Kendall Fuller as a possible mid-range free agent cornerback candidate for the Steelers.

Why Adoree’ Jackson Could Be a Steelers Free Agent Target

Jackson started his career with the Tennessee Titans as a first-round choice in the 2017 NFL Draft. He began immediately, recording 17 pass defenses as a rookie. During his second season, Jackson again had double-digit pass defenses.

The Titans exercised his fifth-year option prior to the 2020 season. However, Jackson sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. The Titans released Jackson the following spring.

In free agency, Jackson agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with the Giants. He had 50 combined tackles and 8 pass defenses in all three seasons with New York.

In seven NFL seasons, Jackson has 56 pass defenses and four interceptions. He has also made 376 combined tackles, including 9 for loss.

He has started 77 games throughout his career. With the Steelers, Jackson may start opposite 2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr.

As Dulac said, fellow 2023 draft pick Cory Trice is a potential for a larger role in Pittsburgh in 2024. However, Trice is back from a ruptured ACL suffered during the 2023 training camp.

The Steelers’ unrestricted free agents this summer include veteran cornerbacks Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, and James Pierre. However, fellow veteran Patrick Peterson is now under contract.

While Peterson led the Steelers in defensive snaps in 2023, it would not be shocking if he is replaced in the starting lineup. Peterson, who turns 34 in July, may play more nickel cornerback and safety in 2024.

Interestingly, Pro Football Focus predicts a considerably lower market for Jackson this summer. PFF, which ranked Jackson as the eighth-best cornerback available in free agency, anticipated Jackson would sign a one-year, $6 million contract.

Steelers Free Agency Plans Depend on Mason Rudolph?

Unsurprisingly, many of the questions Dulac received in his fan chat on March 6 were about free agency.

One reader questioned Dulac about who he anticipated the Steelers might sign in free agency. Interestingly, rather than continuing to float names, the Steelers insider stated it could be contingent on whether the team can re-sign quarterback Mason Rudolph.

“Some of that will depend on what Mason Rudolph does,” Dulac replied in an email.

Another reader estimated Rudolph’s pay at $10 million over two seasons. Dulac answered by stating, “That’s about the price range the Steelers will offer, nothing more.”

Given that’s a pretty reasonable salary for an NFL quarterback, it’s interesting that Dulac believed Rudolph would have a significant impact on what the Steelers do in free agency.

However, whether or not Rudolph returns will have a significant impact on the team’s quarterback situation. If the Steelers are unable to persuade Rudolph to stay, they will have to look elsewhere for depth behind center, which might be more expensive.

On March 6, Spotrac reported that the Steelers had $9.57 million in cap space.