Patriots Acquired J.C. Jackson In A Trade With Chargers: Is It A Wise Choice?

Cornerback J.C. Jackson is allegedly being traded back to the New England Patriots.

Patriots Acquired J.C. Jackson In A Trade With Chargers: Is It A Wise Choice?

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed Wednesday to send Jackson back to his previous squad in return for a trade of sixth and seventh-round selections in 2025.

Jackson spent his first four NFL seasons with the Patriots before joining the Chargers in free agency last year and signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chargers are “paying the majority” of Jackson’s salary as part of the transaction.

The acquisition of Jackson comes after rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez was forced to leave the Patriots’ Week 4 loss in Dallas due to a dislocated shoulder. According to Rapoport, the first-round corner suffered a ruptured labrum and would likely miss the remainder of the season after surgery.

Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2018, ascended through the ranks in New England to become a Pro Bowler in 2021, leading the NFL in passes defended (23). In his final two seasons with the Patriots, he has 17 interceptions.

The Patriots chose not to pay Jackson at the time, and the Chargers grabbed him in what was seen as a bold move. However, the Chargers did not receive what they paid for.

Jackson has appeared in seven games over the course of two seasons.

Last season, he was benched during a Week 6 game against the Broncos, and his season ended a week later due to a torn Patellar tendon.

Last year, he was detained for a “nonviolent family issue.”

This year, he was benched again in Week 3 against the Vikings, and he did not play this past Sunday against the Raiders.

Meanwhile, with Gonzalez out and Jonathan Jones out the last three games due to an ankle injury, New England might offer Jackson a shot to start right away.

Jackson will battle for playing time at outside corner alongside Shaun Wade, Myles Bryant, and rookie sixth-round selection Ameer Speed until Jones returns.

Jackson’s first opportunity to return to the field for the 1-3 Patriots might come against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

 

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