Chiefs sign former second-round cornerback to practice squad

The Kansas City Chiefs have added cornerback Josh Jackson to their practice squad, according to the NFL’s official transactions report.

Jackson, 25, entered the league as a second-round pick made by the Green Bay Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 196-pound Iowa product won the 2017 Jack Tatum Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back (former Chiefs safety Eric Berry won the same award at Tennessee in 2008 and 2009). He was also a unanimous All-American.

From 2018-20 with the Packers, Jackson started 15 games, compiling 86 tackles (71 solo) and 12 passes defensed. In August of 2021, the Packers traded Jackson to the New York Giants in exchange for cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

Jackson, however, never appeared in a game with the Giants — and the team waived him on Tuesday. It is an interesting signing for a few reasons. The Chiefs play the Giants this week, so perhaps Jackson could provide some insight there. This would also fall under the category of a typical move for general manager Brett Veach, who has made a habit of kicking the tires on former day-one and day-two draft picks.

Jackson was described as a “long-armed ballhawk” prior to the draft but has obviously had his struggles in the NFL. He led the nation with eight interceptions for Iowa in 2017 but has not recorded any at the pro level.

The Chiefs now have three defensive backs on the practice squad behind their active roster room of 10.