Patriots acquire cornerback JC Jackson in trade with the Chargers
The Patriots defense was hit with a massive blow on Sunday afternoon when rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum in the loss to the Cowboys.
With Gonzalez out, the Patriots acted quickly and traded for former cornerback JC Jackson in a deal with the Chargers.
Jackson comes back to New England after signing a massive five-year contract for $82.5 million with Los Angeles. The Patriots will swap 2025 sixth and seventh round picks with the Chargers.
The 27-year-old played seven games across two seasons for the Chargers. Los Angeles desperately needed defensive back help when they signed the veteran but he fell short of expectations.
The Patriots will hope they can get Jackson back on track with a defense down Gonzalez and Matthew Judon to significant injuries.
Jackson was signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2018, making 25 interceptions in four seasons in Foxboro. He led the league with nine interceptions during the 2020 season.
The former Super Bowl champion in his first season with the Patriots is also a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.
With his contract transferring to the Patriots, Jackson is signed through 2026. He will have a cap hit north of $14 million next season and beyond. If Jackson returns back to his former self, the Patriots could look to keep him for the duration of the deal.
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