J.C. Jackson went undrafted out of Maryland. After being overlooked prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, his status has changed dramatically over the past few years. Now heading into the 2022 NFL free agency period, what kind of contract could Jackson expect to see based on his career stats, which includes 17 interceptions over the last two seasons?
J.C. Jackson: Free Agency Overview
The New England Patriots’ defensive standout is a tall, aggressive outside cornerback with the cover skills and athleticism that NFL teams covet. The 6-foot-1, 198-pounder figures to be a prime candidate for a major payday in free agency if the Patriots don’t make him their franchise player.
Jackson is in the prime of his career and figures to do extremely well in the future. The former undrafted free agent from Maryland has 25 career interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 4 tackles for losses. Of his 25 interceptions, 17 of them have come over the past two seasons, leading the league.
Recapping Jackson’s 2021 season
Jackson intercepted 8 passes and returned one for a touchdown last season for the AFC East franchise. His worst performance: Allowing a long touchdown pass to Houston Texans backup wide receiver and special-teams contributor Chris Moore on a jump ball in between him and safety Devin McCourty.
Jackson was a sharp tackler who didn’t make mental mistakes. He was generally regarded as disruptive to passing lanes and someone to be avoided by opposing quarterbacks.
Jackson’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Now that Jackson’s one-year, $3.384 million restricted free agent tender contract has expired, he’s projected for a blockbuster deal. Then, there’s also the possibility that the Patriots may elect to franchise tag their elite cornerback.
The tag for cornerbacks is a hefty $17.5 million. But Jackson is worth that kind of investment while the Patriots decide whether to make a long-term investment.
While expectations are that Jackson will not command $20 million per year (the number for Los Angeles Rams CB Jalen Ramsey), perhaps he could approach or exceed Buffalo Bills CB Tre’Davious White’s $17.25 million average. Moreover, he could fall somewhere under the averages of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey ($19.5 million) and the New Orleans Saints Marshon Lattimore ($19.4 million).
Jackson is well-positioned for a huge deal or a lucrative franchise tender.
Possible landing spots for Jackson
The Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and several other NFL teams could all use a shutdown cornerback like Jackson.
What they’re saying about Jackson
“You leave any trash laying around, he’s going to pick it up.” — Patriots coach Bill Belichick with a memorable line about Jackson’s opportunistic playing style.