2021 Pro Bowl cornerback JC Jackson is headed back to the New England Patriots Patriots after a less than ideal two-year stint with the Chargers. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract last summer with Los Angeles, is being traded back to New England for a late-round pick swap. The trade comes after news broke that Patriots rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum.
Patriots Trade for Former Pro-Bowler After Devastating Injury
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Sources: The #Patriots are trading for #Chargers CB JC Jackson. A reunion! The compensation is a swap of late-round picks. Back where he started. pic.twitter.com/7h0A7iJcJS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2023
Without Gonzalez, likely a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, the New England secondary continues being stripped due to injury. Jonathan Jones continues to deal with an ankle injury while Marcus Jones and Jack Jones remain on injured reserve. Jalen Mills, who started 10 games at corner last season, could slide over, but ultimately feels his best fit is at safety despite Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers filling those spots.
This left Bill Belichick with an option that he certainly loves to exercise: bringing back guys that cashed in elsewhere.
Jackson’s Time in LA
It’s no secret that Jackson was struggling in Los Angeles. Jackson’s 2022 season ended early with a patellar-tendon injury, but he was on track to return this season. Upon his return, Jackson struggled more and seemed to lose his place in Brandon Staley’s secondary.
Jackson started in Weeks 1 and 2 before being deactivated for Week 3 and benched in Week 4. The 27-year-old cornerback was reportedly “confused” by the Chargers’ decisions regarding his usage while Michael Davis was starting opposite Asante Samuel Jr.
It seemed a bit odd that Jackson, on his large contract, didn’t fit in this Chargers secondary. Reports of a warrant out for his arrest may have factored in, but the incident occurred in 2021. No matter what Los Angeles’ reasons were for moving on from Jackson, they’ve done it. In the end it seemed to be a tumultuous relationship in which the Chargers could no longer justify the $82 million price tag.
A Much Needed Return
On the flip side, this was a deal that could greatly benefit New England. Sure, Jackson’s contract may be a bit much, but the Patriots have plenty of cap space and a glaring need at cornerback. This move allows them to keep their head above water for the time being and helps them stay competitive.
Jackson had 25 interceptions in his first four-year stint in New England, and now returns to the same scheme in which he was so successful. Belichick gets his ball hawk back for just a late-round pick swap and reinvigorates his secondary.
The move also helps New England in the long run. Assuming everyone is healthy next season, the Patriots secondary could consist of Gonzalez, Jackson, Jones, Dugger, Peppers and Mills. That group has the potential to be one of the best DB rooms in the NFL for a long time.
At the end of the day, Jackson in Los Angeles was not working out. The Chargers had to make a move to get him off the payroll, and Belichick pounced on the opportunity. Jackson now returns to New England, hoping to rekindle some of his former dominance.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
