Report: William Jackson requests trade from Commanders

The Washington Commanders have been engaged in active discussions to move cornerback William Jackson after the veteran requested a trade, sources told Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old defensive back is looking for a fresh start in a scheme that would better fit him, per the NFL Network.

Several teams have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Jackson ahead of the league's Nov. 1 trade deadline.

Jackson signed a three-year, $40.5-million contract as a free agent in 2021. He spent five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals after being selected 24th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Houston product has tallied 16 tackles, two passes defended, and one tackle for loss in four appearances this campaign. Jackson was pulled late in the Commanders' 21-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.

Head coach Ron Rivera downplayed Jackson's benching, saying postgame, "We just decided to make a change."

Jackson cited a back injury as the reason for being sidelined.

"I fight through it for my teammates, but you know, things happen," the cornerback said last Sunday. "Just seemed better to let somebody else go in."

The 6-foot, 189-pound cornerback reportedly didn't travel with his team for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears. Jackson was listed on Washington's practice report this week with a back injury.

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