Veteran cornerback William Jackson III auditions for Titans at rookie minicamp

The Tennessee Titans invited a veteran cornerback to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis

This is an interesting nugget. Veteran NFL cornerback William Jackson III is attending Tennessee Titans rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Aaron Wilson was first to report Jackson’s attendance. Jackson III was once upon a time an above-average starting cornerback in the league.

Jackson III originally entered the league as a first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. Jackson played out his five-year rookie contract (including the player option) with the Bengals before joining the Washington Commanders during the 2021 unrestricted free agency period. Jackson began suffering setbacks via injuries in 2021, a theme that carried over to 2022.

Jackson was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but never played a snap for the franchise before he was released. Titans head coach Brian Callahan spent two seasons (2019-20) alongside Jackson in Cincinnati. There’s a sense of familiarity here.

The Titans have gone to great lengths to upgrade the cornerback position this offseason. L’Jarius Sneed was acquired via blockbuster trade, and Chido Awuzie was signed in free agency. The Titans drafted Jarvis Brownlee Jr. in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If signed, Jackson could contend with Brownlee Jr. for CB4 duties, or more realistically, the CB5 spot alongside younger players such as Tre Avery and Eric Garror.

Jackson isn’t the only veteran tryout at rookie minicamp. Former Denver Broncos first-round pick Shane Ray is also in attendance, according to Turron Davenport. Ray spent a portion of the 2023 offseason with the Buffalo Bills. It’s worth noting Callahan was with the Broncos in an offensive assistant role during Ray’s rookie season (2015). Wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert was also on that staff.

Veteran tryouts at rookie minicamp are rare, but are becoming increasingly common. For example, Aaron Lynch is trying out for the Miami Dolphins this year, and veteran receiver Jarvis Landry is with the Jacksonville Jaguars. We’ll see if the Titans decide to add Jackson and/or Ray to the 90-man roster.