The Commanders benched high-priced cornerback William Jackson in Week 5, and the sides could be moving toward a separation soon.
Jackson would prefer a fresh start elsewhere, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo, and the Commanders have begun discussing the veteran defender in trades. Jackson is attached to a three-year, $40.5MM deal, but teams have expressed interest ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline.
Several teams have shown interest, per NFL.com, despite Jackson having not lived up to the contract he signed last year. The former Bengals first-round pick is signed through 2023. A team acquiring Jackson would be on the hook for $3.8MM in 2022 base salary. Jackson’s contract calls for a $9.25MM base in 2023; that figure is nonguaranteed.
Jackson, 29, said a back injury affected his play in Week 5, when Washington benched him for Benjamin St-Juste, though Ron Rivera did not cite that issue when addressing why the seventh-year cover man was yanked. Jackson (15 Week 5 snaps) had played nearly every defensive snap for the Commanders in Weeks 1, 2 and 4 but was inactive in Week 3. The injury issue stands to limit Jackson’s trade value, but if he is no longer in the Commanders’ plans, the team appears prepared to cut its losses and aim for a late-round asset.
The Bengals faced a potential franchise tag decision in 2021, with Jackson and Carl Lawson‘s contracts up, but they decided to cuff neither defender. Lawson ended up with the Jets, while Rivera and Washington DC Jack Del Rio viewed him as a fit in Washington. Jackson is eyeing a move to a defense that plays more man-to-man looks, per NFL.com. In a limited sample size, Jackson is allowing a 70.8 completion percentage as the closest defender in coverage this season — a mark well north of his previous work in Cincinnati and Washington.
Despite the presences of Jackson and Kendall Fuller, the Commanders ranked 29th against the pass last year. They are 19th so far in 2022, though Chase Young‘s absence has undoubtedly affected this defense. If Washington cannot find a trade taker this year, Jackson could end up a 2023 cut. Even then, it would cost the Commanders $9MM in dead money to jettison Jackson. Though, a post-June 1 cut distinction — like the one the team used to separate from Landon Collins‘ $14MM-per-year deal this year — would reduce that figure.
Jackson, who missed his entire rookie season due to injury, has 64 career starts on his resume. The ex-Houston Cougar has five career interceptions and 51 pass breakups. Pro Football Focus grades him as a top-20 cornerback during his final Cincinnati season (2020) but slotted him outside the top 75 at the position last season.
Another franchise that needs a restart.
They have pieces in McLaurin Dotson Samuel Robinson Gibson and McKissic but man they need oline and some blocking TEs.
I’d move anyone who isn’t a long term answer.
Allen potential out in 2023
Payne
Gibson
Jackson
Reset the cap issues, get as much draft capitol as you can.
Agreed overall, though I think trading Allen would be a tough pill to swallow. They already shelled out for him, he’s turned out the best of all their front seven picks, and he probably has the rarest skillset.
If you can trade Samuel for anything during one of the rare times he’s healthy and productive, I’d add him to the list. Don’t get me wrong, I hope he can stay on the field, but it only ever feels like a matter of time with him.
They need a QB!!!!
Jackson is a tricky guy to read. He’s never been a bastion of consistency or health, and he’s stunk with Washington, but when he’s on his game, he’s extremely valuable. And does this staff seem like it can coax the best out of anyone these days?
WJ3 needs ANOTHER fresh start.. Those who pay attention to the bengals saw the direct correlation between him leaving and the team culture immediately doing a 180. Also, he isn’t very good. Bad guy, overrated, over paid. Untradable.
Culture? I think you mean Burrow, Chase, Higgins and the FO shelling out for free agents. That will change the culture in a hurry.
DC needs to bench Ron. Awful HC.
No mid-season drama please. Quiet retirement after the end of this season would be much better.
Agholar for Jackson work?