Jets insider predicts Justin Fields will choose New York over Steelers

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson for cornerback Donte Jackson, it felt like a solid move to improve the secondary. Jackson, who spent his career with the struggling Carolina Panthers, was thrilled to join a team with a rich history and high expectations. And while his first season in Pittsburgh ended with a disappointing five-game losing streak, Jackson has nothing but praise for Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Speaking on teammate Christian Kuntz’s podcast, Jackson reflected on his experience with the Steelers and Tomlin’s leadership. Despite the late-season collapse, Jackson commended Tomlin for keeping the locker room united and showing unwavering support for his players.
Jackson even addressed the criticism Tomlin faced from fans, urging Steelers Nation to recognize the value of having a coach who consistently keeps the team competitive.
“The message to the Tomlin haters,” Jackson said, “is ‘Be careful what you wish for.’ In Carolina, I saw three head coaches get fired during the season. Three interim coaches in six years. That’s crazy. Starting over is hard. This is a great situation, and Coach T is one of the best I’ve ever been around.”
Jackson didn’t hold back on how much he appreciates Tomlin. For a guy who had never experienced a winning season or made the playoffs before joining the Steelers, the stability and culture in Pittsburgh are a breath of fresh air.
“I’ve never had a winning season until I got here,” Jackson said. “Never had a playoff game until this year. Coach T is a great coach, man. One of the greatest I’ve ever been around.”
While Jackson’s loyalty to Tomlin is admirable, it’s unlikely to change the minds of frustrated Steelers fans. Many have been calling for Tomlin’s firing for years, tired of playoff struggles and feeling like the team is stuck in neutral.
Tomlin himself has acknowledged the criticism, saying he’s willing to “tote those bags” of failure. But for some fans, it doesn’t feel like enough. They want results, not just reassurances. The Steelers’ standard has always been Super Bowls, not just avoiding losing seasons, and patience is running thin.
For Jackson, the Steelers are a massive upgrade over his chaotic years with the Panthers. But Steelers fans don’t see mediocrity as acceptable, even if it comes with stability. The NFL is a tough league, and Tomlin’s resilience as a coach is undeniable.
Now, it’s on Tomlin and the Steelers to prove they can turn things around. The fans’ expectations haven’t changed, and it’s clear that nothing short of competing for Super Bowls will satisfy Steelers Nation.
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