The New England Patriots are doing what they can to retain cornerback J.C. Jackson with a second-round tender in restricted free agency, per multiple reports. Jackson will make $3.384 million in 2021 if he signs the tender.
New England gets the right of first refusal for any team making a contract offer. If the Patriots chose not to match an offer, the team that gets Jackson must give a second-round pick to New England.
It’s possible the Patriots are preparing for potential interest in Jackson, with the team signing defensive back Jalen Mills this offseason. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is also embroiled in trade rumors. Jackson, Mills and Gilmore are expected to be at the top of the depth chart with Jon Jones and Joejuan Williams.
Jackson joined the Patriots after going undrafted. He quickly emerged as a legitimate starting-caliber cornerback, an elevated to a top spot on the Patriots depth chart in 2020 when he was the clearcut No. 2 cornerback — except for when Gilmore was hurt and Jackson jumped into the No. 1 spot.
Source: The #Patriots are putting a 2nd round tender on standout CB JC Jackson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
In 45 NFL games, he has 17 interceptions and 100 tackles. Jackson was second in the NFL with nine interceptions in 2020.
