Report: Pittsburgh Steelers to release cornerback William Jackson III

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to release cornerback William Jackson III, KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson reported Friday. Jackson didn’t play a game in Pittsburgh after being traded from the Washington Commanders last season.

Jackson appeared in four games last season before the trade and, eventually, ending up on injured reserve. He totaled 16 tackles and two passes defended in his second year with the Commanders. In 2021 — his last full season — he had 39 tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions in 12 games.

By releasing Jackson, the Steelers will save more than $12 million in salary cap space, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Jackson started his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Houston. He played for the Bengals until 2019 and totaled 150 tackles and three interceptions in his four seasons with the team.

Former Texas A&M star Jaylon Jones had formal meeting with Pittsburgh Steelers

Texas A&M defensive back Jaylon Jones is participating at the 2023 NFL Combine this week, which gives him a chance to showcase his skills and meet with NFL teams in the process.

The talented Aggies defender told reporters he had a formal meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As far as NFL team fits go, Jones reportedly “loves (defensive coordinator) Teryl Austin and his defense.” So the two sides already like each other quite a bit.

Jones is a versatile prospect who could play multiple positions in the NFL, and he said teams are looking at him as an inside or outside cornerback or a safety.

As a defensive back, Jaylon Jones has already been through most of the physical testing at the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, hit 38 inches in the vertical jump and cleared 10 feet, 2 inches in the broad jump.

Jones also benched 225 pounds 14 times. His 20-yard shuttle time was 4.3 seconds, while his time in the 3-cone drill was 6.88 seconds.