J.C. Jackson’s parting words for the Patriots
After weeks of speculation, J.C. Jackson finally got his big money deal on Monday. The first-time free agent signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $82.5 million with $40 million guaranteed.
Shortly after the deal was announced, Jackson spoke with NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry about his decision. “Love LA. Love Cali,” he told Perry. “Not only that, the defense, I think I can add some value to that defense. That’s a stacked group, and imagine me [there]…It’s going to be scary.”
As for the team he’s leaving? “It was a great experience,” Jackson said of his time in New England, via Perry. “Learned a lot. Got a chance to win a Super Bowl. Got to play with great players, play for one of the best coaches ever in Coach Belichick. I want to thank them for everything they did for me.”
According to Perry the Patriots recently offered Jackson a deal at the NFL Combine, as well as during the 2021 season, but Jackson and his camp wanted to see his value on the open market. CLNS Media’s Evan Lazar reported that the Patriots’ offer to Jackson was “close to $17 million APY” but the difference came down to the total years and the guaranteed money.
With Jackson now out of the picture and players like Devin McCourty and Jakobi Meyers signed and tendered respectively, a number of the Patriots’ significant pending free agents are now accounted for. Bigger names still remaining include Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Trent Brown, and James White.
NFL Free Agent Tracker: Tuesday, March 15
Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].