3 potential landing spots for Commanders’ William Jackson after trade request
By Jerry Trotta
Could the Washington Commanders become sellers at the trade deadline? That’s anyone’s guess, What we do know, though, is that William Jackson III won’t be with the team beyond the Nov. 1 deadline after NFL Network reported the cornerback wants out and the Commanders are engaged in active trade talks.
Not only that, but the report confirmed several teams have expressed interest in Jackson’s services. That’s not what you’d expect from a player who’s been an abomination in coverage and plagued by penalties and durability issues.
However, Jackson isn’t long removed from being one of the top man corners in the league, which makes you wonder why the Commanders paid big money for him to star in their zone scheme, but that’s a conversation for another day.
Since there are seemingly buyers lined up for Jackson, let’s speculate on some potential landing spots for the disgruntled defender.
3 landing spots for Commanders’ William Jackson after trade quest
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have sorely missed TJ Watt’s presence. Though he plays on the defensive line, his ability to rush the passer benefits the entire defense. But why has the secondary been one of the NFL’s worst through five weeks? The answer is pretty simple: injuries.
If you can believe it, cornerbacks Cam Sutton, Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon are all banged up entering Week 6. Not to mention all-world safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is nursing a knee injury and is no guarantee to play in the game and fellow safety Terrell Edmunds is only just returning from concussion protocol.
You mean to tell us Jackson couldn’t step into a substantial role in Mike Tomlin’s defense? The Steelers love playing man coverage, too.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pittsburgh’s played man coverage on 40.2% of their snaps through the first four games; the fifth-most of any team. Conversely, the Commanders have played zone coverage on over 62% of the snaps entering Thursday night vs Chicago.
On snaps Jackson played zone this year, he allowed 11 catches on 11 targets for 131 yards and a touchdown, per PFF. A move to the Steel City — and a return to the AFC North, where’d he play his former Bengals — could be just what the doctor ordered for the veteran defender.