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Former Second-round Pick Visited Pittsburgh Steelers Immediately After Being Released by 49ers

49ers defensive end Drake Jackson looks to build off 'humbling' rookie  season | AP News

When the San Francisco 49ers cut ties with Drake Jackson, it looked like the cruel end to a once-bright career. A second-round pick out of USC, a pass rusher who once opened a season with three sacks in a single game, suddenly reduced to an injury file and a failed physical. But tomorrow, Jackson walks into the Steelers’ South Side facility with something more dangerous than doubt — belief that his story isn’t finished.

Jackson’s promise was real. In 2023, he ripped through Pittsburgh’s offensive line in Week 1 and finished the day with three sacks, a performance that felt like a star being born. But then came the patellar tendon tear — a career-killer in NFL circles.
By May 9, 2025, the 49ers made their decision: waived with failed physical designation. Twenty-three games, six sacks, one interception. That was the end in San Francisco. The team turned to Yetur Gross-Matos and rookie Mykel Williams, leaving Jackson as another casualty of their 2022 draft class.

Now just 24, Jackson insists he’s fully healed. His rehab is complete, his burst returning, his hunger never gone. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, his comeback tour includes the Jets, Commanders, and yes — the Pittsburgh Steelers. For a Steelers team still trying to rediscover its “Steel Curtain” identity on defense and searching for depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Jackson’s timing may be perfect.

For Pittsburgh, it’s a look. For Jackson, it’s survival.

49ers fans are already flooding X with messages of regret: “He had the tools.” “Still rooting for you.” But the wider league knows the truth: patellar tendon injuries can bury careers. Mike McGlinchey’s long recovery remains the warning.

Tomorrow, as Jackson steps into Pittsburgh’s building, he isn’t just chasing a roster spot. He’s chasing redemption.

If he flashes the burst that once terrorized quarterbacks, the Steelers could hand him a second life. If he falters, his name may drift into the long list of forgotten draft picks.

But for now, Pittsburgh offers something priceless: a door still open. And for Drake Jackson, sometimes that’s all a player needs to turn heartbreak into rebirth.

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Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.