Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback D’Shawn Jamison has secured a new opportunity in the NFL, joining the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad. This move comes after Jamison was released during the Steelers' final roster cuts, marking a new chapter in his professional career.
The 27-year-old defensive back spent the last two seasons with the Steelers after initially joining the team in September 2024, following a stint with the Carolina Panthers. Although he remained on Pittsburgh's practice squad throughout the 2024 season, he signed a reserve/future contract in January of the following year. Unfortunately, he was waived during the recent roster reductions, prompting his search for a new team.
During the 2025 season, Jamison was elevated from the practice squad for several key matchups, including games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. He also participated in the Steelers' Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans. Most of his contributions came on special teams, where he was involved in coverage duties for kicks and punts. Notably, he returned one kickoff for 20 yards against the Ravens, showcasing his versatility.
In addition to his special teams work, Jamison had an impressive preseason in 2025, recording eight tackles, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble. Despite this solid performance, he was unable to secure a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster, leading to his eventual release.
Jamison's journey in the NFL began when he entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after a successful college career at the University of Texas. He was initially signed by the San Francisco 49ers but was waived before the regular season began. He was subsequently claimed by the Carolina Panthers, where he made a significant impact, appearing in 15 games and recording 10 tackles and a pass breakup. His time with the Panthers saw him play a considerable amount of special teams, accounting for 39% of his total snaps.
While with the Longhorns from 2018 to 2022, Jamison played in 60 games, accumulating 108 tackles, 17 passes defended, six interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. His skills as a returner were also evident, as he recorded 48 punt returns for 368 yards and a touchdown, along with 62 kickoff returns for 1,435 yards and two touchdowns.
As Jamison joins the Cardinals, he adds depth to a secondary that has been dealing with injuries, particularly with starting cornerback Will Johnson facing a lower-body issue. Furthermore, Jamison has a connection with the Cardinals' coaching staff, as he reunites with senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin, who previously served as his defensive coordinator during his time with the Steelers. This familiarity could provide a smoother transition for Jamison as he integrates into the Cardinals' system.
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