NFL Rumors: Commanders Cornerback Seeking Trade

The Washington Commanders are off to a 1-4 start through five weeks of the regular season, and one player has had enough. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed Thursday morning that cornerback William Jackson III wants a fresh start on a new team and could be traded in the coming weeks.

#Commanders CB William Jackson III prefers a new home and a new scheme. And his name has been at the center of trade talks.

Story with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: https://t.co/qyU6vEnfWb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2022

Jackson was a major acquisition for the Commanders in 2021, signing a three-year, $42 million contract in the early portion of free agency. He has apparently become disillusioned with his place on the team and would prefer a scheme that would make better use of his man coverage skills.

Jackson's contract could easily be moved; he sports a $5 million guaranteed salary this year and could be cut in 2023 with no dead money should a team trade for him. But even that could be too much to pay given his recent play: he has allowed a 121.9 passer rating on throws in his direction this year and sports a 49.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Got him. @_CeeDeeThree

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— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022

Jackson entered the league as the Cincinnati Bengals' 24th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. After missing his rookie season with a torn pectoral, Jackson appeared in 59 games for the Bengals, starting 48. He broke up 41 passes and nabbed three interceptions for the team.

Since joining the Commanders, Jackson has hauled in two interceptions and defended 10 passes over 16 starts. He believes he has been ill-served by the team's reliance on zone principles. Time will tell if other teams agree.