The Chargers on Wednesday announced they have agreed to terms with cornerback Donte Jackson in free agency.
Jackson spent the 2024 season with Pittsburgh where he tallied five interceptions, eight passes defensed, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Jackson's interception total tied for sixth in the league. And his 66.9 passer rating allowed was good for sixth among defensive players with at least 25 targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
He should be a strong fit in Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter's scheme that features plenty of zone coverage.
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with cornerback **Donte Jackson**.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) plays against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) runs an interception back for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 16, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates a tackle during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) warms up before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 07, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Denver .(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) intercepts a pass in front of Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the second half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) is congratulated by linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) after intercepting a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) reacts after a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct 13, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates after an interception during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates his interception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Donte Jackson in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Donte Jackson in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) in action during the second half of an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
According to Pro Football Focus, the Chargers played a variation of Covers 3, 4 and 6 roughly two-thirds of the time under Minter in 2024.
Jackson shined in zone coverage with the Steelers in 2024 and played zone 61 percent of the time, a Top-30 mark among cornerbacks with at least 500 snaps and 25 coverage targets.
On the field, Jackson is clearly a scheme fit who offers plenty of upside. Keep in mind that the Chargers have one of the NFL's top defensive coaching staffs, too, in Minter and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale.
That duo should get the best out of Jackson in terms of his on-field production.
The 29-year-old Jackson, a 2018 second-round pick by the Panthers out of LSU, also brings plenty of experience with 95 career games, including 91 starts.
That veteran leadership will surely be called upon as he is now the elder statesman in the cornerback room.
Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart each shined as rookies but both still have less than one full season of NFL experience. Deane Leonard and Ja'Sir Taylor, the other cornerbacks on the roster, are each also still on their rookie contracts.
Jackson provides a strong baseline level of play with the ability to be a game changer if he reaches his full potential.
The Bolts are banking on an elite coaching staff to help the cornerback reach new heights in Los Angeles.
