There was some turnover for the Los Angeles Chargers during the offseason, especially at cornerback, as it now has a different look.
Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, and Eli Apple are gone after hitting free agency. The team will turn to 2024 fifth-round picks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart to step in as two of the starters. That leaves veteran newcomers Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste looking to secure one of the outside corner positions.
Jackson could not only end up winning the job, but might be the best signing by the team this offseason.
All signs point towards big year one for Jackson in LA
Los Angeles signed Jackson to a two-year, $13 million deal that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season. Jackson is coming off his only season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending his previous six seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
In 95 career games, Jackson racked up 341 tackles, 54 pass deflections, and 19 interceptions. He hit a career-high five interceptions with the Steelers last season.
Jackson has already made a good start at OTAs over the last two weeks as he rotates into the starting lineup. In Week 2 of OTAs, The Athletic's Chargers reporter Daniel Popper gave an update on the cornerback battle in camp and how Jackson had a solid play made in practice.
"The Chargers continued to rotate heavily at cornerback. Cam Hart did not participate in team drills for the second straight week. He said last week he expects to be back participating fully during minicamp. Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Benjamin St-Juste and Ja’Sir Taylor all played on the outside in Tuesday’s practice. Jackson had a pick off a deflection."
Los Angeles' cornerback room has had some of the biggest questions of any position in the offseason. The Chargers are leaning heavily into their second year corners Still and Hart to become stars.
Jackson should not be slept on though as he has a chance to be a difference maker like he did a year ago. He's got great instincts for getting his hands on the ball and could serve as a mentor for the young players.
The competition is going to heat up like the warm summer weather in Los Angeles and if the team want certainty in the secondary, Jackson is a playmaker wo could be who they need during this time of transition.