When the NFL’s negotiating window opened, the Washington Football Team lost a starter in cornerback Ronald Darby, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Denver Broncos. A day later, Washington replaced him with arguably the top corner on the market.
Former Bengals standout William Jackson III agreed to join Washington on a three-year, $42 million deal late Tuesday — a premium for the former first-rounder, according to multiple reports. Of the $42 million, $26 million is fully guaranteed.
Jackson, the 24th overall pick in 2016 out of Houston, ranked as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated player available at the position. According to the analytical website, Jackson was targeted only 69 times last season and allowed just 36 receptions for 537 yards. He’s primarily a coverage corner, as Jackson has only three career interceptions.
Jackson, though, becomes Washington’s highest-paid player at the position. His $14 million per year average is greater than starter Kendall Fuller’s $10 million salary. Darby, meanwhile, left to join the Broncos on a three-year, $30 million deal.
Jackson leaves the Bengals after five seasons. The 28-year-old missed his entire rookie season with a pectoral injury, but impressed when he finally saw the field a year later.
Jackson joins a Washington secondary that made major strides in 2020. The unit helped Washington rank second in passing defense DVOA, a Football Outsiders metric that measures efficiency.
Though the secondary was boosted by a ferocious pass rush, Washington’s backfield was effective at preventing yards. The defense ranked second in yards allowed and passing yards allowed per game.
Fuller is slated to start opposite of Jackson and the team also has 2019 seventh-rounder Jimmy Moreland as an option at corner. At safety, Washington has second-year standout Kam Curl and three-time Pro Bowler Landon Collins, the latter of whom is coming off an Achilles injury.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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