NFL veteran cornerback William Jackson III is signing a deal with the Washington Football Team. The terms of the contract are pending at this time. To this point of his career, Jackson has spent all four years of his pro career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Former Bengals CB William Jackson reached agreement with the Washington Football Team, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2021
William Jackson, Washington Football Team, Agree to Contract
In a year where the Bengals were once again a bottom feeder, Jackson was not one of the team’s problems. In fact, Jackson had one of the better years of his career, especially considering he was coming off of the worst of his career. This past season, Jackson started 14 games, totaling a career-high 45 tackles to go with 11 pass deflections and one interception. Quarterbacks only had an 88.2 passer rating when targeting Jackson, in addition to completing only 51.4% of passes that went his way.
In the final year of his rookie year, William Jackson needed this bounce-back season. Despite 13 starts in 2019, he posted the worst numbers of his career. He only had three deflections and earned a 53.6 grade from PFF. That ranked 97th out of 115 qualifying cornerbacks. The 24th overall pick back in 2017, it is safe to say Jackson has not lived up to expectations. And the numbers he put up his rookie year surely signaled for better. In his first season, Jackson forced 14 deflections in only five starts, earning a 90.2 grade.
Nonetheless, Jackson is still one of the better starting cornerbacks in this league, and a guy who can take on a number one receiver. At 6-0 and 196lbs, he has the length to play in the slot or out wide and has shown improvement when it comes to tackling. Do not expect Jackson to force many turnovers, as he has three interceptions and one forced fumble in his entire career. There is also the matter he has only played a full season once, then again, he has only missed five career games. Jackson is a great player and one who will be a Week 1 starter.
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