The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing regular season in 2024. The team ended with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs after making it to at least the NFC Championship Game in each of the three years prior.
Now, the 49ers are in offseason mode and are looking forward to free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Over the Cap, the Niners are expected to have around $46 million in cap space.
While that may seem like a big number, the team has several key players who will need new deals. Defensive back Charvarius Ward is one of the players heading to free agency, and the Niners may have stiff competition for the veteran.
In an article identifying possible free-agent targets for the 49ers, Lorenzo J. Reyna of Clutch Points acknowledged the possibility of Ward leaving and suggested Pittsburgh Steelers veteran cornerback Donte Jackson as a possible target.
Jackson had a nice year in 2024, collecting 38 tackles and a career-high five interceptions. The cornerback had a $6 million cap hit in 2024 and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Regarding the Jackson fit with the Niners, Reyna offered the following:
Jackson can come in as a cheap option next to $92 million CB Deommodore Lenoir. The veteran is coming off an impressive five-interception campaign, which is now a career-best mark.
The Niners need to consider a proven ball-hawk opposite of “hyena.” Jackson looks prime to fill that spot, even if it’s a two to three-year deal with a workable salary. The 49ers currently have $52.8 million in cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
The 2025 season will be Jackson’s eighth in the NFL. The cornerback has collected 340 tackles and 19 interceptions in his career with six seasons in Carolina and one in Pittsburgh.
San Francisco’s pass defense was among the league’s best in 2024. The team finished No. 5 in opponent passing yards per game, allowing just 192.8. Adding Jackson would help the team ensure the pass defense doesn’t take a hit without Ward.
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