By Conor Perrett
The Pittsburgh Steelers are pulling strings at the death of the trade deadline, with a new addition in the secondary after trading for William Jackson III, from the Washington Commanders.
William Jackson III stats: Position: Corner-back, Solo Tackles: 15, Interceptions: 0, Pass Deflections: 2, PFF Grade – 49.6
Trade Details:
Steelers Receive: William Jackson III and a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2025
Commanders Receive: conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2025
Steelers POV: After the trade of Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh hopped straight back into action as they traded for William Jackson III.
Only a year out from his three-year $40 million contract in the nation’s capital, Jackson and Washington decided to part ways due to a scheme difference. Wanting to play more man coverage, Jackson will have the chance to do so on a talented Steelers’ defence.
Jackson played his best ball when at the Cincinnati Bengals during the first four years of his career. The former first-round pick in 2016 then moved to Washington where things didn’t quite work out.
He now finds himself on an aggressive Steelers defence that will suit his playing-style and he looks to be the lock-down corner he formerly was.
Grade: B
Commanders POV: Reports came earlier in the day that if Jackson wasn’t dealt before the trade deadline, then he would be released from Washington.
The Commanders were able to find a trade partner at the end, to pick up some draft capital and move on from their big free agent signing only a year ago.
Overall, things didn’t work out for the corner-back in the capital city but they were able to get some compensation, which is always a plus. Their defence has been improving as the season has gone on and one less distraction will only improve that.
While the contract they gave to Jackson was in hindsight, a bad decision, it shows strong decision making from the front office to move on from the deal instead of playing out a bad hand.
Grade: C
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