Here are three potential cornerbacks for the New England Patriots amid the elite defender, J.C. Jackson being released from the team. Jackson’s reunion has come to an end with the Patriots. New England originally acquired Jackson from the Los Angeles Chargers in October after rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum. Jackson played eight games, recording 25 tackles and six passes defended.
In 2018, he joined the Patriots as an undrafted free, working his way up to become a Pro Bowler in 2021. He led the NFL with 23 passes defended that year. Jackson recorded 25 interceptions in his first four seasons with New England. He tested the market in 2022 and was offered a five-year, $82.5 million deal from the Chargers to join a defense with Derwin James and Joey Bosa.
Things didn’t pan out for the Pro Bowler after tearing his patellar tendon, later being benched ending his only season with Los Angeles. His 2023 season replicated the same feat and he was confused when he was benched. A few weeks later, he comes back to New England in a trade. Jackson saw some significant playing time with the Patriots but later was placed on the non-football illness reserve list.
The end was all over the wall and now New England have pulled the trigger to release him. The good news for the Patriots is that they have over $100 million in cap space now. It’s the highest cap space in the league, after clearing $13.46 million in parting ways with Jackson. New England’s cornerback depth takes a hit, but there are available cornerbacks in the market this month.
Three Potential Cornerbacks for Patriots Amid Elite Defender Release
Jaylon Johnson
While the Chicago Bears are optimistic about getting a deal done with Johnson, he could become available in the market. He started all 53 games in four seasons recording 161 tackles, five interceptions, 41 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. This past season he was voted second-team All-Pro and was named to his first Pro Bowl. After an illustrious season, it could intrigue the Patriots to offer him a pricey contract.
The Bears may still franchise-tag the Pro Bowl defender, but if they don’t then he’s rated the best available cornerback. According to PFF, Johnson is ranked number one the best available cornerback amongst others. This could be the defender that the Patriots can splurge on. Johnson is a physical and technical sound wide cornerback who doesn’t allow above a quarterback to complete 60% of his passes.
Quantity isn’t a concern for the Patriots, it’s the quality that matters. They have seven cornerbacks on the roster but none of them have proven except for Christian Gonzalez and Johnathan Jones. Adding a star-level player like Johnson could complement the two to repair the backfield.
L’Jarius Sneed
Sneed held up quite well against wide receivers in tough matchups last season. He’s the type to get sticky in coverage and become hard to shake off, If that’s what the Patriots are looking for post-Bill Belichick era then they could consider him. The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to decide what they’re going to do with Sneed. They have granted Sneed’s permission to seek a trade, but they could franchise him.
The Patriots are reportedly looking to add an impact player on their defense and they could jump the gun to trade for Sneed. The former Super Bowl champion played in all 16 games by recording 12 passes deflected and 60 solo tackles. He only allowed 51 completions on 100 passes thrown to receivers while he was lined up. His ball-hawking abilities could spark the Patriots’ interest.
Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore could be set for a reunion in New England. Last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys acquired him via a trade with the Colts. Gilmore hasn’t skipped a beat when moving around for the past years. Playing for the contending Cowboys set up his potential that he can still play elite football. Despite Gilmore wanting to come back to Dallas, there hasn’t been any word if the Cowboys will allow him to.
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