J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots. (Obligatory Credit score: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports activities)
The New England Patriots will let Professional Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson go to the open market.
After a breakout season for the New England Patriots, cornerback J.C. Jackson will not be anticipated to be tagged and might be hitting unrestricted free company.
Jackson had eight interceptions and a league-best 23 passes defended final yr for the Patriots. The previous undrafted defensive again out of Maryland has had 25 interceptions in New England uniform. Whereas he may conceivably be slapped with the tag, Ian Rapoport of The NFL Community doesn’t imagine that would be the case. The Patriots will let him hit the market in NFL free company.
This leaves to likelihood Jackson doubtlessly departing New England within the midst of his athletic prime.
J.C. Jackson rumors: New England Patriots won’t use franchise tag on CB
New England doesn’t have sufficient cap house presently to afford Jackson to play on the tag. Whereas the Patriots are within the black heading into the brand new league yr, $7.3 million in obtainable house will not be going to chop it to retain top-of-the-line ballhawks within the sport at this time. Although New England can create sufficient house to carry Jackson again, they could simply let him stroll this month.
For an undrafted participant, the Patriots acquired greater than their cash’s value out of Jackson. Defensive backs often flourish enjoying for New England. Although the Patriots haven’t crushed it in most up-to-date NFL Drafts, they might look so as to add Jackson’s substitute that manner than pay above-market worth to retain his providers. Not solely that, however Jackson ought to have a sturdy market in free company.
Two groups that make sense for him are the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is looking the pictures in Las Vegas. With Dave Ziegler because the Silver and Black’s new basic supervisor, Jackson may find yourself in Sin Metropolis. As for Pittsburgh, Jackson may reunite with the Steelers’ new overqualified linebackers coach in Brian Flores.
By letting Jackson go to market, there’s a likelihood the Patriots may lose their Professional Bowl nook.
