Pittsburgh acquired cornerback William Jackson III and a…
Pittsburgh acquired cornerback William Jackson III and a conditional 2025 seventh-round choice from Washington while sending back a conditional 2025 sixth-round choice. Jackson never appeared in a game for the Steelers because of a back injury and was released in March 2023. The playing-time conditions were not met, so neither conditional draft choice changed hands. Pittsburgh therefore received essentially no realized on-field value.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player William Jackson III
- pick 2025 conditional seventh-round pick (condition not met; remained with Washington)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2025 conditional sixth-round pick (condition not met; remained with Pittsburgh)
Trade Analysis
The Deadline Trade
On November 1, 2022, Washington traded cornerback William Jackson III and a conditional 2025 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. Later Steelers explanations clarified that both draft choices were tied to playing-time conditions. Jackson arrived with a back injury and never appeared in a regular-season game for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh's Side
The Steelers were taking a low-cost chance on a veteran cornerback who had previously been a first-round pick. The upside was obvious if Jackson became healthy and fit their coverage scheme. That never happened. He remained sidelined for the rest of the 2022 season and Pittsburgh released him in March 2023. Because he did not reach the required playing threshold, the conditional sixth-rounder did not transfer to Washington.
Washington's Side
The Commanders moved on from a veteran who had fallen out of their plans and created separation from the remaining relationship. The conditional seventh-round choice attached to Jackson also stayed with Washington because its trigger was not reached. That means the Commanders did not gain draft capital, but they did accomplish the roster-management purpose of the move without ultimately surrendering a pick.
What Was Actually Exchanged
The headline suggested a player-for-pick transaction, yet the final result was closer to a no-cost change of scenery. Pittsburgh received no game snaps from Jackson. Washington received no draft choice. Both conditional picks remained with their original clubs. That makes it difficult to award a meaningful football-value advantage to either side.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive a C. Pittsburgh's gamble produced no on-field return, while Washington's benefit was mainly moving on from a player who no longer fit. With neither conditional choice conveyed, the trade finishes as an Even Trade.
Jackson never played for Pittsburgh, and neither conditional pick conveyed, leaving little direct football value for either franchise.