Report: J.C. Jackson trending towards hitting open market
The more we learn about J.C. Jackson’s pending free agency, the less likely it seems he’ll be returning to New England for the 2022 season. A new report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests that, at the very least, the 26-year-old All-Pro will have a chance to test the open market.
Appearing on NFL Network’s NFL Combine coverage Friday afternoon, Rapoport said the Patriots are “not expected” to use the franchise tag on Jackson. Using the tag, which would cost the team an estimated $17.2 million, would at least guarantee Jackson one more year in New England, while giving the Patriots a longer window to work out a long-term extension or trade.
Jackson is expected to have a ‘robust market‘ once he hits unrestricted free agency. PFF projects him to land a deal worth $18 million per year, although some experts have suggested his eventual deal could approach a $20 million AAV, which currently is the highest for a cornerback in the NFL (Jalen Ramsey).
A look at the Patriots' pending free agents for 2022
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