Here are three possible landing spots for $45 million cornerback and former New York Giant, Adoree’ Jackson this offseason after the free agent market gets slimmer. After Xavien Howard lands with a new team, the only best option would be Jackson. The USC product was selected No. 18 overall by the Titans, a career that got off to a promising start. He was a versatile weapon for Tennessee, notching 17 passes defended as a rookie and 1,127 return yards on punts and kickoffs in his first three seasons.
However, his injury track record has been stopping him become the player he was in his prime days. Still, his athleticism and tenacity are there, which could make him an intriguing veteran addition. Jackson said he wants to return to the Giants but that’ll be up to the team after releasing him for cap space. He signed a three-year, $39 million deal after his run with the Titans.
Jackson served as a full-time starter during his stint, racking up 23 pass deflections and a pair of interceptions along the way. However, things have taken a turn for the worse in his 2023 season campaign. Jackson was benched after beginning the season in the slot to accommodate Tre Hawkins. New York invested a first-round pick in last year’s draft by adding Deonte Banks, a starting-caliber player who can be a replacement after Jackson departs.
The Giants have already looked elsewhere by adding defensive back Jalen Mills to their secondary corps. They are also bringing back cornerback Darnay Holmes after recording a career-high two interceptions last season. It seems like the Giants are moving away from Jackson, who wants to play for a contender this upcoming fall. Here are three possible landing spots for Jackson.
Three Possible Landing Spots for $45 Million Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson
Kansas City Chiefs
If there’s any team that most players would want to win a ring with, it’s the Chiefs. Most teams across the league are reportedly shying away from trading any other players to Kansas City. The Chiefs are truly becoming the new supervillain of the league and it’s replicating the Tom Brady days in New England. Patrick Mahomes is one of the greatest quarterbacks right now and Jackson could fit as a replacement for L’Jarius Sneed.
According to a report, the Chiefs have expressed interest in the former first-rounder. It would be a reclamation project in Kansas City to see if he can dust off the unproductivity with the Chiefs. His first couple of seasons should probably give the Chiefs a look at the free agent. However, there’s a good chance the Sneed replacement could be Xavien Howard after being cut from the Dolphins.
Jackson’s potential reward looks to be high only at the age of 25. There’s still a lot of playing time left for the USC product and if he can remain healthy then he could be a reliable asset. It would be a game-changing difference rather than the Chiefs signing an unproven first-rounder in this year’s draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
According to a report, the Steelers are projected to land Jackson this offseason. 2023 Draft Pick Cory Trice is returning from injury this season so adding Jackson could complement him. Trice isn’t expected to receive a heavy workload if they snag Jackson on a cheap one-year deal. However, the loss of Patrick Peterson means they could the veteran as a voice for the locker room and mentor Trice.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are going to need a veteran cornerback this season after the departure of Chidobe Awuzie. Jackson’s production hasn’t lived up to the draft pedigree but he can still be a solid replacement on a one-year basis. He would probably accept a CB4 and he’s one of those able tacklers that can be great for depth. The Bengals are still building a roster around Joe Burrow to help them lead back to the Super Bowl, so adding Jackson could provide proven experience.
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