After another fantastic season, New England Patriots CB J.C. Jackson will enter free agency in 2022, but what are his potential landing spots? The undrafted free agent has established himself as one of the best corners in the league in the past four years. Can he become the highest-paid CB in the NFL this offseason, and which teams might be willing to pay him?
What could J.C. Jackson earn as a free agent this offseason?
What an incredible run it has been with the Patriots for Jackson. After fighting his way into the starting lineup in his second season in 2019, he has quickly established himself as a star. Over the course of his four-year career, Jackson has had 25 interceptions in 62 games.
As a rookie, he flashed his playmaking ability with 3 picks despite playing just under half of the snaps in the 13 games he suited up for. Jackson saw an increase in playing time in his second year, pulling in 5 interceptions across 16 games. The 2020 campaign was the real breakout, with 9 INTs and 14 passes defensed as he grew into the starting role opposite Stephon Gilmore.
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Jackson backed that up with another stellar year in 2021. This season, Jackson led the league in passes defensed with 23, according to Pro Football Reference. Additionally, he had another 8 interceptions on his way to being voted amongst Pro Football Network’s first-team All-Pro.
It will be fascinating to see if Jackson can top the $20 million per year mark set by Jalen Ramsey. That will likely be his target entering free agency, but will any team be willing to commit that high? Spotrac currently has Jackson projected for $20.9 million per year across a five-year deal. It would certainly be no surprise to see him become another $100 million man at the cornerback position and become the NFL’s highest-paid CB. But which teams would be willing (and able) to go that high?
The New England Patriots would have to get creative to keep Jackson around
We know the Patriots are not shy about paying a cornerback they feel deserves the money. They went out and paid big money at the time to add Gilmore. They have also been willing to pay for the likes of Darrelle Revis to be their star corner in the past. However, with a projected $27 million in cap space and other needs to address, paying $20+ million to Jackson could be tough.
Of course, there are other options the Patriots could take, including pushing cap hits deeper into the deal. They could also consider the franchise tag at a projected $17.3 million. That feels like a bad way to handle the situation with Jackson. It really only gives them a one-year window before they likely have to pay him even more next offseason. It is possible Jackson remains, but the Patriots are likely going to have to pay up to ensure it happens.
The Los Angeles Chargers have the cap space to make some splashes this offseason
Any team with cap space and an opening at CB will likely take a long hard look at adding Jackson. The Chargers should certainly be among those teams with Chris Harris Jr. set to depart. The cornerback group would really be left with no clear leader, and the pressure on the safety position and the pass rush would be immense.
The Chargers’ defense struggled to contain opposing passing games. They ranked 22nd in the league in net yards per attempt at 6.3. They were at least somewhat proficient in preventing touchdowns, ranking in the middle of the pack. However, they struggled to make splash plays, again ranking 22nd in terms of interceptions with just 11. Jackson had 8 on his own this season, so he would certainly help them in that element.
Jackson could be a crucial part of the Steelers’ update on defense
The Steelers struggled on defense last season. They ranked 20th in scoring defense and 24th in terms of yards allowed. The pass defense was at least useful, ranking ninth in net yards per attempt. Yet, they are potentially set to lose Joe Haden this offseason, leaving them with a need for a No. 1 CB.
Jackson could fill that hole, and Pittsburgh has the cap space to make it work. They have $44.9 million in projected cap space entering the offseason, which is plenty to fit Jackson in. They do have other needs (including QB), but they could go down the rookie route at that position, retaining some cap space to spend on defense.
The New York Jets need a veteran CB option to anchor their secondary
The likely departure of Marcus Maye this offseason will leave the Jets with a lack of experience on their secondary. That youth was exposed at times in 2021, and they could use a veteran to anchor the group. Jackson could be that anchor.
Jackson can provide the lock-down coverage on one side of the defense, with the younger players making out the other positions. Having Jackson on one side would give Robert Saleh a piece of his defense he does not need to worry about. With the questions New York has elsewhere, spending some of their plentiful cap space to secure a key position would be a great start to the offseason.
Could Jackson be the next defensive star in Chicago?
The best Bears teams through the ages have been built through their defense. Right now, their defense is fine but lacks that element that would terrify opposing offenses coming into Soldier Field.
In 2021, the Bears had as many interceptions (8) as Jackson had by himself. Meanwhile, they allowed 31 passing touchdowns, which ranked 26th.
With Robert Quinn, Khalil Mack returning from injury, combined with Jackson on the backend, the Bears’ defense would become one of the most threatening around the NFL.
The problem Chicago has is that they need to invest significantly in their offense, especially their offensive line. However, the money spent on Jackson would certainly have ramifications to help the offense. If they can tighten up on the other side and become a top-10 scoring defense, it lowers the pressure on the offense to make things happen on every drive.