Could the Pittsburgh Steelers Land William Jackson III?

Ed. Note: The Steelers have in fact traded for William Jackson III.

Commanders cornerback William Jackson III is on his way out of Washington. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that if Jackson can not be traded, the Commanders will release him and he will hit waivers. Jackson signed a massive 3-year, $40.5 million contract in 2021, but could be released before even completing the second year of the three years.

Jackson was on the trade market, but his hefty contract would still have to be carried by the team who claims him off waivers or trades for him at this point. So, for a team like the Steelers, there is likely to be only one way that Jackson comes to Pittsburgh, and that is through free agency.

Thus far on the season, Jackson has allowed 16 receptions on 19 targets for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He has not suited up since week five, and those struggles seemed to have persisted enough to where Washington simply does not see any need in keeping him around.

The Steelers are not in a win now position, but there is a need at cornerback. There is no shortage of interest in Jackson, either. Pittsburgh loved Jackson coming out of Houston, but does a 30-year-old Jackson give Pittsburgh anything they need in the secondary? At this point, probably not, and that room should be looked to get fixed in the draft or free agency after the season.

Perhaps if Jackson simply has a dry market and is willing to sign for very cheap it makes sense. After all, the struggles of Ahkello Witherspoon are becoming an extremely serious issue moving forward. Still, it would benefit Pittsburgh to see what James Pierre has in him and brings to the table rather than what Jackson can do.

There is zero doubt that William Jackson III fits a need and the pattern of interest is there for Pittsburgh. But where they are at as a franchise does not scream needy for a 30-year-old cornerback who looks to be on the downswing. There is really only one scenario where this makes sense, and that is where Jackson will not cost much and has a dry market of teams after him.

In that case, Jackson can be helpful depth for a banged up secondary on multiple fronts. And maybe along the way, Pittsburgh finds some magic with Jackson as a guy they took a waiver on late in the season. But up to this point, that seems to be the only acceptable scenario that ends in Jackson donning the Black and Gold.