The Steelers have pulled off another trade before today’s deadline, this time on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh is acquiring cornerback William Jackson from the Commanders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). In follow-up, he tweets that a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick is heading to Washington in exchange for a conditional seventh-rounder in the same year. 
[RELATED: Steelers Trade WR Claypool To Bears]
Jackson, 30, had long been the subject of trade speculation. The veteran was reported to be on the lookout for a change of scenery, leading to his name being included in discussions between Washington and interested teams. In recent days, however, signs began to point to no deal materializing in time, which would have led to a different parting of ways.
Earlier today it was reported that the Commanders were prepared to release the former first-rounder in the event an acceptable deal didn’t materialize. Instead, he will now head back to the ACF North, with the Steelers picking up the remaining $2.75MM in guaranteed money on Jackson’s deal. Another two years remain on it after this season, though a move aimed at lowering his 2023 cap hit ($15.75MM) will surely be coming this offseason.
Jackson began his career with the Bengals, operating as a full-time starter for three-plus seasons. His performances there helped pave the way for his big-money deal last offseason, but things have changed quickly regarding his situation in the nation’s capital. He has gone from an every-down defender to a healthy scratch in a matter of weeks, making this move a more minor one from Washington’s perspective than his contract would suggest. The Commanders will move forward with the likes of Rachad Wildgoose, Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste heading their CB room.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will see another veteran added to their secondary. Jackson has plenty of starting experience, but could also fill a rotational role alongside Ahkello Witherspoon, Levi Wallace and Cameron Sutton. The Steelers will provide Jackson the fresh start he was likely to receive via free agency anyway, while bringing in useful depth on their defense.
Called it… ish.
solid pickup.. assuming they just gave up a 7th or so
most expensive D just got more costly lol
Steelers are working on a new contract for him, so that’s why the deal isn’t official yet.
How is it a solid pick up if they are going into rebuild mode? They’re going to take on salary and trade a pick away
Typical Steelers bullheadedness.
This team isn’t going to contend. For years
Relax, there’s only 2.75 guaranteed left on his deal. They can restructure or cut him in the offseason. Basically a cheap flyer to see if he can be a contributor in the future at a more amenable price or a cap casualty.
They’re working on re-doing his contract as part of the trade
cuz he’ll be a part of the defense for the next 3 years
not the best move, but I’ll always be a fan of steelers adding a proven cb
I don’t think it’s a bad move. A sixth or a seventh round pick for a player who has been good in the past is not a bad deal. Whatever player Pittsburgh picked with that selection is no guarantee even to start. Jackson will at least get reps to prove that he can contribute, and if not, the Steelers didn’t give up much in a slot that’s not always proven to make the team anyway.
whelp adding WJ3 and maybe signing JJ fir DT, could allow them to load up on o-line or ILB at the draft
JJ?
JJ Watt? IDK
yes I do believe there’s a solid chance all 3 brothers team up for a season.
steelers have Alualu and Ogunjobi coming off the books, so no issue financially..
depends on JJs heart issue, but the guy would be a major boost in run support
Years? Come on. Team hasn’t had a losing season in a how many years straight? Contend almost every year.
To say they won’t ‘contend’ for ‘years’ is complete nonsense.
Stick around, 3Rivers. I’ll be reminding you in a couple years.
I like the Kenny p to Burrow comparisons.
Pickens is his jmarr chase.
don’t have to have the best team to get hot at the right time. Cinci was terrible Joe’s rookie year and losers combined to call Joey B a bust without realizing all rookie QBs struggle (he also got hurt but still)
we’re seeing Cincis lack of talent this year..
steelers could absolutely push for playoffs again next year, especially if Lamar skips town
Now if he can bring along a few friends that play D-line, linebacker and secondary, everything will be fine
Steelers liked him coming out of college and said so leading to the Bengals grabbing him right before them. Should be a low cost move to provide some more depth and eliminate the need for a higher (Day 1 or 2) draft pick at CB. Gotta rebuild the trenches
Definitely gotta focus on both of and d lines in the draft. Need talent on both and youth on the d line. It sucks that Leal got injured because he was playing well especially for a rookie so it would’ve been great to see him continue to get reps and grow.
Edit: but they still need to draft a corner maybe even two with Jackson in the fold but like you said it moves the position lower in terms of need
Yeah, 4th round seems like a prime spot as with a pick near the top of the round they can grab someone they thought would go in the 3rd
What they need to draft is a Lineman.
Like 3.
Levi, witherspoon and Sutton all signed extensions
definitely not drafting a CB
need oline and dline with every pick
Does Jackson shift to safety? Fitz on one side and Jackson on the other side? Maybe that will rejuvenate his career