For the primary time in his profession, J.C. Jackson is on the doorstep of hitting unrestricted free company. Not solely is the Patriots cornerback slated to hit the open market, however he is additionally billed as the highest participant at his place this cycle which means he is in line for an enormous payday. This comes after Jackson performed the 2021 season below a second-round tender that New England positioned on him final offseason when he was a restricted free agent.
Except Invoice Belichick elects to position the franchise tag on him earlier than the deadline, the NFL will quickly get an opportunity to land some of the productive corners within the league. Since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent, Jackson has proved to be an opportunistic defensive again that had a nostril for locating the soccer. That skill to create turnovers has solely been showcased much more over the earlier two seasons as Jackson has solidified himself as one in all New England’s key starters within the secondary.
Final yr particularly, Jackson served because the Patriots No. 1 nook and led the NFL in cross breakups (23) whereas totaling eight interceptions. Opposing quarterbacks additionally had only a 46.8 passer score when concentrating on Jackson in 2021.
On condition that Jackson has that degree of play on his resume and is just 26, he will definitely be a sought-after determine as soon as the brand new league yr opens up. As we look ahead to all that to unfold, let this put up be your hub for all issues surrounding Jackson’s free company. Under, you may discover potential touchdown spots, a take a look at his projected contract, and a nugget-by-nugget information rundown of all the most recent developments.
Wage cap figures come from Spotrac.
Potential touchdown spots
New England Patriots
Whereas the potential for putting the franchise tag on him appears bleak, the door seemingly is not fully closed on Jackson returning to Foxborough. Invoice Belichick has traditionally allowed gamers of Jackson’s caliber to check the free-agent market after which come again to the crew to see if they will match or put collectively a aggressive provide. Whereas the crew is probably not trying to pay a premium for Jackson, they’re presently painted right into a nook with no appropriate in-house substitute able to ascend to be the crew’s No. 1 nook. New England does have simply round $7.3 million in cap area for the time being however ought to have the ability to maneuver issues round to provide themselves a shot at retaining Jackson.
New York Jets
If Jackson is trying to safe the most important bag, the New York Jets could also be the best choice. The crew is projected to have almost $45 million in cap area this offseason and have an enormous want at nook. Final season, New York’s cross protection ranked lifeless final within the NFL in DVOA and their 260 passing yards allowed per recreation was the third-most by any crew within the league. The 7.5 yards per cross try allowed was additionally tied for the second-most within the NFL. The Jets want a No. 1 nook to stabilize the secondary and Jackson might be the participant that permits them to do it.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are one other crew with loads of cash to spend as they’ve the third-highest quantity of cap area at round $56 million. In addition they have a necessity on the place as the one crew that had a worse cross protection in DVOA than Jacksonville in 2021 was the Jets. Jackson may take a look at the Jaguars as an ascending crew with Doug Pederson solidified as head coach and Trevor Lawrence below middle that he can assist kind a successful basis with whereas additionally getting paid handsomely.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders present some familiarity for Jackson after Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler each went from the Patriots to Las Vegas this offseason as a head coach-GM duo. The crew was within the backside half of the league in DVOA towards the cross final yr and will look to improve at nook with Casey Hayward additionally set to hit free company. The Raiders have roughly $20 million in accessible area.
Projected contract
Taking part in on the second-round tender final season paid Jackson $3.384 million, which proved to be an enormous discount for the Patriots. As a result of Jackson was an undrafted free agent, his total tenure in New England up to now has been extraordinarily helpful to the crew as he is solely earned simply over $5.6 million over his four-year profession. Nonetheless, that is all about to vary briefly order.
In accordance with Spotrac’s market worth projections, Jackson is in line to see a contract that pays him a median annual wage of $20.9 million. Particularly, he is projected to obtain a five-year contract price over $104 million. If Jackson, in reality, lands such a contract, he could be the highest-paid cornerback within the NFL.
Prediction
If Jackson avoids being hit with the franchise tag and hits the open market, he’ll depart New England for greener pastures because the Patriots will not include a aggressive sufficient provide to realistically have the ability to retain him. As an alternative, Jackson inks a mega-contract along with his former crew’s AFC East rival within the New York Jets, who will look to construct the secondary round him. Jackson will see New York as a vacation spot the place he can receives a commission as one of many league’s high cornerbacks, whereas additionally serving to create a contender because the Jets proceed to develop second-year quarterback Zach Wilson.
Free-agent timeline
Feb. 22: Jackson informed NBC Sports activities Boston’s Phil Perry that he could be prepared to play below the franchise tag if New England determined to go in that route. Nonetheless, Jackson did add that he has but to have any contact with the Patriots for the reason that finish of the 2021 season.
“I suppose they really feel like they do not want me,” Jackson stated. “I suppose I am unable to be that essential to them. I do know I’m, however they don’t seem to be displaying me.” The nook added that the Patriots approached him a couple of contract extension through the 2021 season, however the two sides respectfully could not attain a deal. He carries no arduous emotions and would welcome any likelihood to swimsuit up for them once more.
“I like the sport,” he informed Perry. “In the event that they tag me, I am gonna go on the market and play.”
