By: Dianna Russini, Jeff Howe, Chad Graff and Daniel Popper
The New England Patriots have made a significant move to bolster their cornerback position, acquiring J.C. Jackson from the Los Angeles Chargers. The trade comes less than two years after Jackson left the Patriots in free agency, and he returns to New England to help shore up a depleted secondary.
In exchange for Jackson, the Patriots will send a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Chargers, who will also receive a 2025 seventh-rounder from New England. The trade provides immediate help for the Patriots, who have been plagued by injuries in their cornerback group.
Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a shoulder injury in the Patriots’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, further depleting a position that has already been hit hard by injuries. Tests confirmed the severity of Gonzalez’s injury, leaving the Patriots in need of reinforcements.
Jackson has not played in the Chargers’ last two games and was recently asked about his health ahead of the team’s Week 4 matchup. He admitted, “I’m not 100 percent. I’m doing what I can.” Despite his recent struggles, the Patriots are confident they can restore Jackson to his previous form.
Why the trade makes sense
The Patriots’ cornerback group has been decimated by injuries, with their top four cornerbacks all dealing with various ailments. Gonzalez’s shoulder injury only added to the team’s woes, prompting them to make a move for Jackson. Head coach Bill Belichick has a history of bringing back players he’s previously worked with, and he will hope that familiarity will help Jackson make a smooth transition back to New England.
While the trade may be seen as a gamble due to Jackson’s recent performance, the Patriots believe they can rehabilitate his career and make him a key contributor once again. Although they will have to pay a significant amount this season, Jackson’s contract does not have any guaranteed money beyond 2023, allowing the Patriots flexibility to restructure his deal in the future.
In a statement, Patriots beat writer Chad Graff said, “For a team that badly needs cornerback help, the Patriots land a guy who was a stud for them only two years ago.”
What went wrong for Jackson with Chargers?
Jackson’s time with the Chargers did not go as planned, leading to his departure from the team. After being a highly anticipated signing in free agency in 2022, injuries and a deteriorating relationship with the coaching staff contributed to his struggles. Jackson underwent ankle surgery just before the start of the 2022 season and was never able to regain his previous form.
Despite his admirable rehab efforts and a return to the field for training camp, Jackson’s performance did not meet expectations. He was benched for parts of games and eventually became a healthy scratch. The Chargers decided to cut ties with the cornerback, who was set to earn over $45 million despite making only seven starts for the team.
Chargers beat writer Daniel Popper described Jackson’s contract as “disastrous” and one of the worst in general manager Tom Telesco’s tenure. However, the Chargers were able to save about $7.4 million on their 2023 cap sheet with the trade, allowing them to potentially fill other roster needs.
Financial impact of the trade
The trade will have a significant financial impact on both teams. The Chargers will save approximately $7.4 million on their 2023 salary cap, but will still incur a dead money charge of nearly $21 million in 2024 due to the remaining prorated signing bonus on Jackson’s deal. The Patriots will have to pay a substantial amount this season, but Jackson’s contract does not have any guaranteed money beyond 2023, giving the team flexibility to restructure his deal.
In assessing the contract, Popper said, “This was a disastrous contract, one of the worst of Tom Telesco’s 11 years as general manager. Staley deserves some of the blame, as he was a strong advocate for signing Jackson. Credit to the organization, though, for cutting ties when they realized the situation with Jackson could not be resolved.”
Backstory
Jackson returns to the Patriots, the team that initially signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He enjoyed success during his four seasons in New England, tallying 25 interceptions.
After his time with the Patriots, Jackson signed a lucrative five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers ahead of the 2022 season. However, injuries and a strained relationship with the coaching staff derailed his time in Los Angeles.
The Patriots are hopeful that they can help Jackson regain his previous form and contribute to their secondary. With their cornerback group in desperate need of reinforcements, the trade provides an opportunity for Jackson to revitalize his career.
Required reading
For more information on the trade and its implications, be sure to check out “With trade for J.C. Jackson, Bill Belichick sends message that Patriots aren’t giving up.”