The Pittsburgh Steelers’ cornerback room is currently one of the worst in the NFL. Cam Sutton has been good in Pittsburgh for multiple years now, but he is a free agent after signing a two-year contract in 2021. Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon look to have roles on defense, but they haven't made a case for starting jobs. James Pierre and Arthur Maulet round out the bottom level of Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks, who could both be replaced. Then we have William Jackson III, one of the most polarizing players on the roster.
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The former first round pick in 2016 was acquired in a trade back in November and has one year left on his contract for 2023. The basis for discussion is that contract for the upcoming year. Jackson carries almost a $12.2 million cap hit, and after going through injuries last year, he never appeared in a game for Pittsburgh. It seems that a good chunk of fans want him and his salary cut, but what if Pittsburgh elects to keep him for next season?
Is Jackson Still a Top Cornerback?
Since Jackson came into the league in 2016, he has put up great stats with the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders. He had at least eleven passes defended in three of his four years with Cincinnati and racked up eight PD's in twelve games with Washington in 2021. A back injury only allowed him to play four games last year, where he still shined with 15 solo tackles. From a player and need standpoint, the Steelers would love to have Jackson on the roster next year, but is it in the cards financially?
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It appears that the consensus believes Jackson to be gone soon. However, the Steelers could keep Jackson and watch him thrive in an abundance of man concepts. The $12 million cap hit is a steep price to pay, but Jackson looks to still have his talent. Pittsburgh could try to restructure his contract. If the two sides agree on something a little lower, everyone could walk away happy. What could the defense and cornerback position look like if Jackson stays?
Potential Steelers’ Cornerback Room
If William Jackson is back under contract and fully healthy with Pittsburgh in 2023, he would immediately be CB1 or CB2. The Steelers could look to re-sign Cam Sutton, which would give them a solid duo going into next year. If Sutton opts to sign elsewhere, Pittsburgh could look to use one of their top picks in the upcoming draft on a top tier cornerback to play alongside Jackson. Names like Joey Porter Jr, Cam Smith, Kelee Ringo, and Emmanuel Forbes could be on Pittsburgh's radar for picks number 17 and 32.
Best Case Scenario?
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It would be great for all parties if Sutton is back with the team next year. If re-signed, the Steelers could look to release Jackson, and re-sign him to a team friendly contract. Adding a cornerback later on in the draft like one of these two would give the Steelers a top trio of cornerbacks in the NFL. This would also allow Pittsburgh to draft other areas of need with their earlier picks, such as interior defensive line, offensive line, or middle linebacker.
Would you like to see William Jackson III back with the team next season, possibly on a lesser deal? Let us know in the comments below.
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