Troubling William Jackson III rumors emerge ahead of trade deadline

Cincinnati Bengals star cornerback William Jackson would be open to a change of scenery according to one report.

With each passing day, things continue to grow more uncertain for the Cincinnati Bengals. The season has already been a major disappointment on the field and now, events off the field are becoming just as concerning. Long-time players once thought to be locks to finish their careers in stripes are practically demanding out, primarily Carlos Dunlap.

Of course, guys like Geno Atkins, Shawn Williams, and John Ross are reportedly discontent as well. However, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there could be a new name to add to the list of players that would welcome a trade: cornerback William Jackson III.

While discussing the possibility of an active trade deadline for the Bengals with executives across the league, he discovered that Cincinnati’s front office may be more willing to make deals this year than they have in the past,

"“I think they are more open to it [moves at the trade deadline]… I’m just not sure how realistic they’re going to be about the value of these players… I know they’re getting calls.”"

This statement falls in line with another recent report that the Bengals asking for too much in return for some of their disgruntled players.

William Jackson is the most concerning recent development

Regardless of how the trade deadline is handled, the big news coming from the report is that the sense around the league is William Jackson would be “very open” to a change of scenery. Sure, it stings that long-time veterans want out, but they were not likely to help the next competitive iteration of the Bengals anyway. The timeline for their careers and the rebuild just don’t match up.

However, Jackson is the first player in his prime to supposedly want out. The former first-round pick has played lights out this season and would go a long way in securing the secondary moving forward. Without him, it adds another position Cincinnati will have to find a way to fix amongst the many holes in their roster.

Making matters even worse, Jackson is set to be a free-agent once this season is up. If he’s already open to a change of scenery, as La Canfora puts it, you have to believe he’s more inclined to sign with another team this offseason.

If that is the case, Cincinnati will have to consider dealing Jackson as well. Simply letting the lock-down corner walk for nothing more than a potential compensatory pick would be unwise.

Things are seemingly continuing to spiral out of control in the Queen City. With the trade deadline lurking, perhaps Duke Tobin and the rest of the front office can calm the waters with some much-needed action.