Longtime NFL cornerback JC Jackson signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson, a former undrafted free agent and one-time Super Bowl champion, spent the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots.
Chargers are giving former Patriots’ CB JC Jackson a five-year, $82.5 million deal that invoices $40 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
JC Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers, Agree to Contract
JC Jackson is coming off of what is easily the best season of his young career. After spending the first three years of his NFL employment starting opposite Stephon Gilmore, the young defensive back finally had a chance to shine as New England’s unquestioned CB1. The undrafted free agent was up to the task, finishing his contract year with eight interceptions, one forced fumble, a league-high 23 passes broken up, and PFF’s seventh-best grade at the position. He did all this despite playing in man coverage at one of the highest rates in the league.
Jackson first entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Signing with the New England Patriots, Jackson always had a lot of talent but struggled staying out of trouble during his college days. Those issues appear to be behind him, as he has been nothing but a model citizen since entering the league.
Despite being an undrafted free agent, Jackson made New England’s Week 1 roster as a rookie. After beginning his career as a backup, the Maryland product earned a prominent role on the defense midway through the 2018 campaign. Blessed with a natural nose for the ball, the defensive back played a huge role in New England’s most recent Super Bowl run.
Jackson proved that his rookie season wasn’t a fluke in 2019. Earning a full-time starting position right out of the gate, the defensive back finished the season with five interceptions and 10 passes broken up while helping guide perhaps the best defense of the season. In 2020, Jackson recorded nine interceptions and 14 passes broken up. In total, Jackson has made the playoffs in three of his four years in the NFL, including his 2018 Super Bowl win.
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