Steelers Finalizing Trade for Commanders CB William Jackson III, per Report

The veteran defensive back gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh.

The Commanders and Steelers are finalizing a trade for William Jackson III that will send the veteran cornerback to Pittsburgh in exchange for draft compensation, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Washington and Pittsburgh will swap late-round picks in 2025, according to Rapoport, with the Commanders receiving a conditional sixth-round pick and the Steelers getting a conditional seventh-rounder.

Jackson hasn’t played for the Commanders since Week 5, and Rapoport reports that both sides were seeking a fresh start. The 30-year-old defensive back reportedly had requested a trade in mid-October and now gets his wish. 

The Commanders first signed Jackson, a 2016 first-round pick by the Bengals, to a three-year, $40.5 million deal ahead of the 2021 season. He played 12 games in his first year with the club, recording two interceptions.

Both sides were looking for a fresh start and now William Jackson III gets it in Pittsburgh. The two sides are going over some language, but this trade is expected to get done. Washington ends up with draft comp after all. https://t.co/Zusl4JcImQ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2022

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Jackson has seen his playing time take a significant hit this season. He’s only played in four games and hasn’t been on the field since Washington lost to Tennessee on Oct. 9.

Jackson now will make his return to the AFC North after having played for the Bengals from 2016 to ’20. He’ll now head to the rival Steelers, who will get a much-needed boost in the secondary. 

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