Cornerback J.C. Jackson’s second stint with the New England Patriots has come to an end. The Pats released Jackson on Friday, confirming the move on their social media.
Jackson re-joined New England in October in a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers. He played in eight games for the franchise in 2023, contributing with 25 tackles and six passes defended.
Jackson was set to enter the third year of the five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed with the Chargers in 2022 free agency. However, he reworked his contract as part of the trade to the Pats, lowering the financial hit on the team’s cap. As a result, releasing Jackson will create $13.5 million in cap space for New England.
J.C. Jackson signed with the New England Patriots in 2018 as an undrafted free agent and spent his first four years as a pro with the franchise. During that time, he developed into one of the league’s best corners and earned Second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod in 2021.
Despite being an integral part of their secondary, the Pats let Jackson hit free agency in 2022. This resulted in a bidding war for his services, and the Chargers emerged on top. However, Jackson never managed to justify his big contract. He struggled with injuries in his first season in LA, playing only five games. Then, in 2023, despite being healthy, Jackson struggled to make an impact, causing the Chargers to bench him and then trade him back to New England.
