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 $17.3M, per CBS Sports’ Joel Corry.
“I love the game,” Jackson said. “If they tag me, I’m gonna go out there and play.”
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