The New England Patriots are turning to a familiar face to bolster their injury-plagued secondary. The team is set to acquire cornerback J.C. Jackson from the Los Angeles Chargers, a move aimed at shoring up their defensive backfield in the face of recent setbacks. This reunion comes as a silver lining for the Patriots, who have been grappling with injuries and performance issues in their defensive unit.
A Familiar Face Returns
J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2018, rapidly ascended the depth chart during his previous stint with the Patriots. His exceptional play earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, a season in which he led the NFL in passes defended with an impressive 23. Over his final two seasons with New England, Jackson intercepted a remarkable 17 passes, establishing himself as a premier cornerback in the league.
In 2022, Jackson inked a lucrative five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, with hopes that he would be a key addition to their secondary. However, the transition did not pan out as expected. Jackson faced early-season injuries and struggled on the field, leading to his benching in Week 6 of the previous season. Unfortunately, his woes continued as he suffered a patellar tendon tear in Week 7, prematurely ending his season after just five games.
Challenges in Los Angeles
Upon his return to the lineup, Jackson’s struggles persisted in 2023. In Week 1, he allowed 99 yards and a touchdown on three receptions, coupled with a costly defensive pass interference penalty and an interception against the Miami Dolphins. His performance led to him being benched in Week 3, and although he was active in Week 4, he did not see any playing time in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jackson expressed his confusion regarding the Chargers’ decision to bench him during Week 3, highlighting the challenging circumstances he faced with the team. Ultimately, the Chargers decided to part ways with the cornerback.
The Chargers’ commitment to facilitating the trade was evident as they absorbed a significant portion of Jackson’s $12 million guaranteed salary. In a corresponding move, the Chargers claimed Essang Bassey, a former Denver Broncos cornerback, off waivers.
Addressing Patriots’ Secondary Woes
The Patriots have been grappling with injuries in their secondary, and the loss of rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a dislocated shoulder injury has been a significant blow. There are concerns that Gonzalez may miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery. The young corner had been making a strong impact in his debut season, earning Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for September and positioning himself as a front-runner for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Patriots are optimistic that J.C. Jackson’s return will provide a boost to their defense. Jackson’s familiarity with the team’s defensive schemes and his past success with the franchise makes him a valuable addition, especially in the wake of recent challenges. The hope is that Jackson can quickly find his stride once again and help fortify the Patriots’ secondary as they strive for success in the 2023 NFL season.
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