One New England Patriots player is doing his best Cuba Gooding Jr. impression and telling the team to show him the money.
Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson, who is a free agent this offseason, spoke with Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston this week and expressed unhappiness with the team. Jackson revealed that the Patriots have not gotten in touch with him about a new contract since the season ended.
“I guess they feel like they don’t need me,” said Jackson. “I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me.
“Whatever happens happens,” Jackson added. “I’m taking it day by day. But it’s time for me to get paid. It’s time to get Mr. INT paid.”
Perry’s story gives further details about Jackson’s situation as well as his relationship with the Patriots. You can read it in full here.
At 26 years old, Jackson is an elite cornerback in his prime. He made both the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Second Team for this past year. Jackson also led the league with 23 passes defended, and his eight interceptions ranked second in the NFL behind only Trevon Diggs of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Patriots can still use the one-year franchise tag on Jackson (which will be worth about $17 million for cornerbacks) but will have to decide that by March 8. If Jackson hits the open market, his contract could rival those of the NFL’s highest-paid CBs like Jalen Ramsey (who is making $20 million per year), Marlon Humphrey ($19.5 million per year), and Marshon Lattimore ($19.4 million).
New England has been accused of being cheap with their free agents before, so it remains to be seen if Jackson will have to go elsewhere for his payday.
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