Bengals pick up 5th-year option on William Jackson

Ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Bengals just made a key move with their top 2016 pick.

On Wednesday, the team announced it was picking up the fifth-year option on cornerback William Jackson, which means he is now signed through the 2020 season.

This has been effectively a lock to happen since Jackson had his breakout 2017 season, where he became one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He took a step back in 2018 but finished strong and reminded everyone he’s still one of the game’s best young cornerbacks.

A fourth-year player in 2019, Jackson has played in 31 games with 21 starts. Last season, he started 16 games and totaled 41 tackles, and his 13 passes defensed led the team.

As of now, Jackson, Dre Kirkpatrick, B.W. Webb, Darius Phillips and Davontae Harris was the only cornerbacks signed through 2020, so the cornerback position is set for at least the next two seasons.