The New England Patriots have a very big decision to make about one of their cornerstone players on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. With NFL free agency on the horizon, J.C. Jackson has been a name that everybody should be keeping an eye on. February 22nd is the first official day that teams can franchise tag players, and everybody assumed that New England would tag Jackson and figure out a long-term extension for their number one cornerback. Although, the Patriots may have other plans in mind.
Belichick’s Track Record
Bill Belichick has a lengthy history of letting guys go a year too early rather than a year too late. He has always been hesitant to throw big money at individual players, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They have had some huge names leave their defensive unit in years past, so it’s safe to assume that card is always on the table for Jackson.
Looking back just at the cornerback position, they traded Stephon Gilmore when he was due for a new contract after having won the Defensive Player of the Year award just a year and a half prior. Before that, they let Malcolm Butler go a few years removed from his game-winning interception in the Super Bowl. Quotes came out today that sound like Jackson is more than a little discouraged at the progress, or lack-there-of, made with the extension to his contract.
I guess they feel like they don’t need me. I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me.”
Phil Perry, NBC Sports Boston
Jackson’s Resume
Jackson went undrafted in 2018 after having issues off the field that hindered his college career. Since being signed by the Patriots, J.C. Jackson has been one of the most consistent players on the team. His play earned him Pro Bowl honors in the 2021-22 season. In his first four years in the NFL, Jackson has recorded 25 interceptions. That is the most in the league in that timeframe. He has a right to feel like he has earned a bigger contract. It is evident that he feels offended that the team has not even reached out to discuss a new deal since the season ended.
Chance of Return
Not all hope is lost for a return to New England for Jackson. As I mentioned, Tuesday was the first day that teams were allowed to franchise tag players, not the only day. It is also possible that New England will skip the franchise tag. They may just offer him a long-term extension and have been just working out the details internally before reaching out to Jackson’s camp.
Jackson’s Role In New England
New England’s defense has some very prominent strengths, as well as some very glaring weaknesses. As of now, the cornerback position would fall under the strength category. However, that could completely flip if the team can not work out a new deal for the leader of that position group. Outside of Jackson, the current cornerbacks on New England’s roster are Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, JoeJuan Williams, Shaun Wade, and Myles Bryant. Many people even speculated that New England might try to bolster that position group in the draft even with Jackson. So letting him go would force them to find other options.
New England made huge strides in 2021-22 in the post-Brady era. They made the playoffs with a rookie quarterback and had some breakout players on both sides of the ball. J.C. Jackson was seen as one of the leaders of the defense and could single-handedly shut down one side of the field. Even at the cornerback position, that is extremely hard to come by. Having that on your defense is a luxury. It would a mistake for Belichick to let that walk out of the building.
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