J.C. Jackson Pulling His Weight at Cornerback
When you think of Patriots cornerbacks, a few big names should be front and center. Ty Law, Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, Darrell Revis, and co all have either had memorable plays or solid seasons for the team. J.C. Jackson should be at the shortlist of candidates to join that list. In two games so far this year, Jackson is tied for the league lead in interceptions and has alleviated the need for Stephon Gilmore to return from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) until he is completely healthy. Flat and simple, J.C. Jackson is getting the job done as the number 1 cornerback for the New England Patriots.
This week against the Jets, Jackson had two picks against rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. As many expected, Wilson has had his fair share of struggles with one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, but Wilson was not expected to throw 4 interceptions, even against a tough Patriots defense that now ranks 8th in yards and tied for 1st in touchdowns allowed. Jackson contributed to the team defeat over the Jets with his pair of interceptions and only allowing 2 completions for -4 yards. The Jets avoided Jackson and failed to have substantive gains when targeting him.
J.C. Jackson is only under contract for this season with the Patriots for about $4 million and then becomes a UFA. Given the contract standoff between the Patriots and Stephon Gilmore, Jackson should see a pay raise whether that be with the Patriots or a different team. Jackson continues to show his talent so far this season and is deserving of a higher contract. The Patriots should be projected to have around $28 million in cap space for next season, so the team is a legit possibility to re-sign Jackson in the offseason. If Jackson continues to play at a high rate, the team could do its usual “see other offers and get back to me” philosophy, in which Jackson would test out the market and then let the Patriots know his market value and then sign him to a similar contract. The pass defense has been tremendous this season without Gilmore, and Jackson should see a lesser contract than Gilmore, so the Patriots could very well target Jackson over Gilmore in the off-season. No matter how next offseason plays out, the Patriots are deep at corner this year, especially when Gilmore returns.
Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson form a formidable duo for the Patriots at cornerback, when both are healthy.
J.C. Jackson has been getting the job done this year and is in line for a big contract at the end of the season. There is a lot to like about the Patriots defense and the depth at each position is tremendous when healthy. Jackson continues to solidify his case as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL with his turnover capabilities and contributions to a pretty good Patriots defense. Look for Jackson to continue shutting down opposing wideouts this week against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at 1 PM ET on Fox.
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