William Jackson III expressed his desire for a fresh start early in the 2022 season. On Tuesday, the veteran cornerback got his wish.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are acquiring Jackson from the Washington Commanders in a trade, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, per a source. Rapoport added that the Steelers will also receive a 2025 conditional seventh-round draft pick in the deal, while Washington gets a 2025 conditional sixth-round draft pick in return.
Jackson hasn't suited up for the Commanders since Week 5 as he's dealt with a back injury. In four games played this season, Jackson has tallied 16 tackles, two passes defensed and one tackle for loss.
Washington brought Jackson in as a free agent ahead of the 2021 season, signing the former first-round pick to three-year, $42 million contract and addressing a need for a defense with a bolstered front. After finding an interception in his very first game with Washington, Jackson's production as a defensive playmaker has been sparse the past two seasons.
Pittsburgh went ahead and addressed a need of its own by adding Jackson to its defense. Top cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has missed four games this season due to injury and the Steelers defense has yielded the second-most passing yards per game (277.3) in the NFL after Week 8.
The Steelers' trade for Jackson added to what has been a busy day for first-year general manager Omar Kahn. The team also sent wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for a 2023 second-round pick on the day of the league's trade deadline.
