The Patriots have let a few key cornerbacks walk in recent years. They made Darrelle Revis a one-and-done and did not re-sign Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler. They traded Stephon Gilmore during his contract year. Now, New England has a decision to make on J.C. Jackson.
One of the NFL’s top ballhawks is less than a month from free agency, and the two-week franchise tag window opened Tuesday. Since the Pats’ wild-card loss, however, Jackson has not heard from the team regarding a new deal.
“I guess they feel like they don’t need me,” Jackson said, via Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston. “I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me. … Whatever happens happens. I’m taking it day by day. But it’s time for me to get paid. It’s time to get Mr. INT paid.”
The Pats did approach Jackson about an extension during the 2021 season, but the talented corner preferred to play out his contract year at that point. The Pats would like to retain Jackson, Perry adds, but have not determined how they will proceed with the tag. They kept Jackson via second-round RFA tender in 2021. The former UDFA finished last season with eight interceptions and an NFL-leading 23 pass breakups en route to his first Pro Bowl. Although Jackson struggled in the Pats’ playoff loss, he would be one of this year’s top free agents if allowed to hit the market.
Jackson, 26, has intercepted an NFL-most 25 passes over the past four seasons. After playing a part-time role for the Pats’ Super Bowl LIII-winning team, Jackson rose to a regular gig over the ensuing three seasons. The Pats parted ways with the likes of Gilmore and Jason McCourty during that time. Should Jackson leave in free agency, the perennially sound New England defense will feature a huge hole.
However, the Pats have not been shy on deploying the franchise tag under Bill Belichick. They have used the tag 10 times since 2002, with cornerback Asante Samuel (2007) being among those tagged. Samuel left in free agency in 2008. A Jackson tag is expected to cost approximately $17.3MM, per CBS Sports’ Joel Corry.
“I love the game,” Jackson said. “If they tag me, I’m gonna go out there and play.”
Man, the prospect of playing for a dying franchise and getting burnt by Diggs twice a year is not enough to take less money. Brady isn’t walking back though that door and the Patriots odds of winning anything with McCorkle is slim and none. The “Patriot way” is dead. He is going to walk.
Show us on the doll where the Patriots hurt you
Stabby,
Says the Jet fan! Or a Bill fan! Buffalo had their chance after losing 4 Super Bowls in the 90’s and should have been in the big game this year! But as usual, a New Dork football team underachieves once again!
And there probably won’t be Bill doesn’t give two flying Fugs what’s good for this team right now this is now all about him and his legacy so
he believes he can pick up another undrafted CB or another teams trash and make them good don’t get me wrong he has had a lot of success going that route but right now we don’t have time to wait for that player
” Bill doesn’t give two flying Fugs what’s good for this team right now this is now all about him and his legacy”
So let me get this straight…you’re saying what’s good for this team to win another championship has nothing to do with Bill and his legacy? How do you figure that?
If you wanted to say Bill doesn’t care about Jackson and would do whatever is best for his legacy which is tied to the Patriot’s winning another championship without Brady, I’d fully agree. But that’s nothing new, it’s been his MO for years. It’s not about the individuals, it’s about the team.
Your right I just think it’s more about him proving how great he is about finding and making great players now more then it is about winning the next championship his legacy in winning the SB is stamped now he’s focused on being the greatest coach by making him self more important then anyone else so he’s going to show he can do it all by himself with no real DC,OC, or GM to prove he really is the best football mind ever
Jackson should sign with Jets or Dolphins both teams have money to spend.
You improve your legacy by winning championships, especially without Brady.