The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate help for a cornerback. Levi Wallace hasn’t exactly fulfilled expectations from the two-year, $8 million deal that he signed in the off-season. Ahkello Witherspoon has regressed a ton after signing an extension in the off-season as well. Pro Football Focus has him with a 45.4 grade so far this season, certainly not what you want.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Witherspoon’s poor performance in Week 8 led to a benching at halftime. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, AJ Brown was having a field day on Witherspoon, racking up over 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone. Cam Sutton has been the team’s best and most consistent cornerback, although he’s better suited as a No. 2.
Just a few weeks ago, it was announced that Washington Commanders cornerback, William Jackson III had requested a trade. We wrote an article detailing why the Steelers may be interested, but also what may deter general manager Omar Khan away in the end. Now, with the trade deadline just a few hours away, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Commanders will likely release Jackson:
Sources: The #Commanders are expected to release cornerback William Jackson III if there's no trade partner by the deadline. Teams have called on Jackson but no trade has materialized and the back injury was also believed to be a factor. Jackson signed a $40.5M deal in 2021.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 1, 2022
This would make him a free agent obviously, as the Commanders would have to pay him a large majority of his remaining contract. As a result, he could be available for cheap in the free agent market. Now this would have to be a mutual sided thing, as Jackson may be looking to join a contender. He could look to join his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals, particularly after their recent injuries. Their top corner, Chidobe Awuzie, tore his ACL on Monday night and is out for the season.
Credit: Brandon Wade/AP
The Steelers would be able to sign him for relatively cheap though, which alleviates some of the main concerns when he became available via trade. Yes, he is 30 years old with some injury concerns. Recently, he’s been dealing with a nagging back injury. That’s likely why teams have shied away from giving up any draft capital in a trade for him.
Well, that along with his lucrative contract, a three-year, $40.5 million deal he signed with the Commanders in 2021. Jackson hasn't been the same player this season either, as he has a 49.6 grade on PFF. With his contract out of the picture now though, a lot of the risk is alleviated. Again, he's likely going to look to sign with a contender, but it's at least worth a call if you're Khan.
The interest has been there in the past, albeit with Kevin Colbert as GM as opposed to Khan. Colbert was ready to make Jackson a Steeler in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the Bengals took him just one pick before the black and gold. As a result, Colbert had to reach for another corner in Artie Burns, who didn't have the most inspiring career in Pittsburgh.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Artie Burns (#25) and safety, Sean Davis (#28) during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports
Should the Steelers try to sign Jackson? What kind of deal would you give him? Is it too early to give up on Witherspoon? Share your opinions and thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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