Eagles to host CB William Jackson

Veteran slot man Avonte Maddox is set to undergo surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, a procedure which may very well sideline him for the rest of the season. It thus comes as no surprise the Eagles are now in the market for an addition at the cornerback spot, though Jackson has seen far more time on the perimeter than the inside over the course of his career.

The former first-rounder had a forgettable 2022 campaign, seeing time in only four games with the Commanders before being dealt to the Steelers. While battling a back injury, he failed to see any game time in Pittsburgh, and the team made the easy decision to release him in the offseason. As was reported in May, and as Schultz confirms, however, Jackson is now fully healthy.

The Ravens and Giants hosted Jackson in August, confirming reports that interest was picking up late in the offseason. His visit to those teams signaled a deal could be on the horizon, but he remains unsigned well into the start of the regular season. The 30-year-old does have 64 starts to his name, though, and he could provide at least quality depth at the CB spot for the Eagles as they look to sort out their plans at the position moving forward.

James Bradberry saw time in the slot during training camp, and a Jackson addition could move him there on a full-time basis. The Eagles could shift to a CB alignment including Bradberry on the inside, with Darius Slay and former UDFA Josh Jobe on the perimeter, allowing Jackson to serve as a backup. The latter will surely see a low-cost deal when he ultimately signs with the Eagles or another interested team. Philadelphia should be able to comfortably afford him in such a scenario, though, as the team currently has just under $6M in cap space.