Steelers trade for Commanders cornerback William Jackson III ahead of trade deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers are wheeling and dealing ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Earlier in the day, Pittsburgh sent wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Bears. Now, they’re importing a player. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are acquiring Commanders cornerback William Jackson III.

Here was the report from Rapoport, which he posted to Twitter:

“Sources: The Steelers aren’t done. They are finalizing a trade for Commanders CB Will Jackson III, some help for their defense.”

He added more info in a second tweet, explaining the reason the deal got done on both ends: “Both sides were looking for a fresh start and now William Jackson III gets it in Pittsburgh. The two sides are going over some language, but this trade is expected to get done. Washington ends up with draft comp after all.”

Tom Pelissero also added more context on the why behind this trade and noted that late draft compensation is going to be traded between Washington and Pittsburgh.

“The Steelers and Commanders are expected to swap late-round future picks in the trade for CB William Jackson III, per source. A low-risk addition for Pittsburgh, which is trying to shore up its defense, while Washington moves on from a guy who didn’t fit.

Spotrac was on top of the financial nitty-gritty of the deal. Here was their tweet summarizing the Jackson contract situation with the Steelers:

“The Steelers will get a $3.1M look at William Jackson for the remainder of 2022. They then hold a $12.75M option for 2023 with which they’ll have to decide on by March 17th, when a $2.5M roster bonus is due.”

So a rather cheap “look” this year for the second half of the season. But a pretty sizeable deal next year if Pittsburgh opts in.