The New England Patriots are entering a new era for the 2024-25 season without future Hall of Fame head coach Bill Belichick. And with his departure comes the departure of another veteran player who had once provided a ton of value to the team.
Star cornerback J.C. Jackson started his career in New England and appeared to be one of the fastest-rising stars in all of football. In his first four NFL seasons, Jackson recorded 25 interceptions.
The Patriots brought back cornerback Jackson this past season in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers after Los Angeles had concerns about his effort and his attitude.
Unfortunately, Jackson had some off-field issues that affected his availability in his return to New England. He played in just eight games in New England with a much more limited impact when he was on the field than he had in his first stint with the team.
On Friday, the Patriots decided to release Jackson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Patriots have released CB J.C. Jackson, who they traded for last season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2024
This move is a smart one financially for the Patriots, as it will relieve them of $14 million in cap space. They now have the most cap space in all of football to try and rebuild the team, a much-needed task after their 4-13 record this past season.
The #Patriots have released CB J.C. Jackson.
Jackson had a cap hit of just under $14 million and his release now gives New England over $𝟭𝟬𝟬.𝟯𝗺 in cap space — the most cap space in the #NFL. pic.twitter.com/z3Tn4aWJNq
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) March 1, 2024
Jackson is just 28 years of age. But it already seems like his NFL future may be in question after a couple of very bad seasons under his belt recently.
He has obviously shown the talent to thrive in the right system over the years. But thus far, he hasn’t been able to prove himself outside of New England. And he will now be looking for another suitor after being dumped by the Patriots on Friday.
