The Los Angeles Chargers have traded Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson to the New England Patriots. The Patriots will send a sixth-rounder in 2025 to Los Angeles while getting Jackson and 2025 seventh-round pick.
The move will see Jackson returning to the franchise with which he spent the first four years of his professional career.
Jackson signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and went on to establish himself as one of the key players in the Pats’ secondary. In 2021, he had a breakthrough campaign that saw him get 58 tackles, eight interceptions, and a league-leading 23 pass deflections.
Following a career year, Jackson left New England to sign a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers. He was expected to lift up the LA team’s passing defense but never met those expectations.
Jackson’s first year with the Chargers saw him fail to get a single interception for the first time in his career. He was benched in Week 6 and suffered a season-ending injury the next week.
The Chargers hoped that Jackson would bounce back in 2023, but the 27-year-old player continued to struggle while his relationship with the coaching staff deteriorated. This prompted the front office to cut their losses and strike a deal with the Pats.
The Patriots probably hope they can get a better version of Jackson when he returns to a familiar system. He also fills the position of need, considering that rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be out for the year with a shoulder injury.
