The NFL new league year begins March 15 and NFL fans will become upbeat knowing their team has made some great signings.
Recent history reminds us of how hopes are lifted and dashed.
Washington in 2020 had won the NFC East at only 7-9, their offense had struggled mightily playing four quarterbacks during the season (Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke).
The next offseason when Washington signed cornerback William Jackson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick the majority of the fan base was excited, knowing for certain that Fitzpatrick would provide veteran leadership to the offense and Jackson was most definitely one of the better man-to-man corners in the league.
Neither materialized.
Fitzpatrick didn’t last one half of the first game. Jackson on the other hand did play and start in 12 of 17 games but was much less than had been expected. He was certainly nothing to brag about in pass coverage.
Jackson’s second season with Washington (2022) was a frustrating one for both coaches and fans. Jackson more than once talked of being a man corner who was being forced to play more zone.
It was frustrating to hear a professional athlete cast blame on the scheme when he was being beaten in coverage more than a few times. Lasting only four games, the threesome of Rivera and Del Rio determined the team was better off without Jackson.
Jackson only defended two passes in 2022 while defending himself more often. He was compensated handsomely, being paid $16,562,500 in 2021 and $7,648,693 in 2022 by the Commanders.
He was a cap hit of $4,656,250 in 2021 and $10,648,693 in 2022. Unfortunately, Jackson will also affect the 2023 team in the sense that he is a $9,000,000 cap hit despite being released during the 2022 season.
Jackson will not even bring anything to Washington via his being traded to the Steelers. The Steelers have already waived Jackson themselves; thus the Commanders will not receive the conditional draft choice from Pittsburgh.
During this upcoming free agency remain level-headed not expecting too much from whomever the Commanders do sign.