At the 2018 NFL Combine, Nickerson ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, which tied two other cornerbacks, LSU's Donte Jackson and Ohio State's Denzel Ward for the fastest time.

Nickerson was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.

[4] Nickerson made his NFL debut on September 10, 2018, in a 48–17 win against the Detroit Lions, recording one tackle and receiving a taunting penalty on his first career play on defense.

[5] He made his first career start on October 14, 2018, in a 42–34 win over the Indianapolis Colts, making four tackles and deflecting a pass.

On August 31, 2019, Nickerson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a conditional 2021 seventh-round pick.

[16] He was designated to return from injured reserve on January 20, 2021, and began practicing with the team again, but he was not activated before the end of the postseason.

[25] On October 28, following the activation of Jalen Ramsey, Nickerson was released by the Dolphins.