The Pittsburgh Steelers made several trades this offseason, and there were some which were head-scratching. One of those trades which would fall in the aforementioned category would be the team’s decision to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in a pick swap, and a player. That player was Donte Jackson, a player not many in the black-and-gold fan base were familiar with. Nonetheless, the Steelers got a cornerback they coveted and are hopeful can help round out their secondary in 2024.

Jackson is getting comfortable in his new situation, and learning a new defense might be a challenge, even for a veteran like Jackson. However, after Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and Mandatory Minicamp he is starting to get a better grasp of the defense.

“I have a clear understanding of the defense,” said Jackson. “The pace we’ve been moving at has made it a little bit easier to learn. You get out there and you play with some of these great players we have on this defense, and it makes it a little bit easier to just focus on doing your job. That’s really what it’s been for me these last few weeks.”

Even though Jackson is comfortable with what the Steelers are asking, he realizes he still has to go out and execute the plays and schemes which are called.

“You still have to go out there and take it upon yourself to know your job, do your job and know the nuances of the defense,” said Jackson. “As a pro, that’s just what’s expected of you.”

Earlier this week newly signed Patrick Queen was vocal about the difference in the Steelers defense and practices compared to his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson, who played his entire career in Carolina, also feels a difference between his former team and his current defense.

“You see it, but you also feel it,” said Jackson. “You feel the intensity. You also feel the knack for everybody not wanting to waste days or waste plays. It’s been great to be a part of. You see everybody moving around faster.

“The energy’s high and just everybody’s having fun. That’s great to see from a team with high expectations in June. Everyday just keep on stacking and building on that.

“You feel the energy in room. You feel energy on the field. The goal has been to get better every day. It’s a team goal. That’s great to be a part of.”

The energy is high, and they’ll have to pick up that energy level when the team reports to training camp at Saint Vincent College on July 24th. Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team this offseason.