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The Chargers have decided to trade cornerback J.C. Jackson back to the Patriots, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
The deal reportedly involves the Patriots sending a 2025 6th round pick to the Chargers in exchange for Jackson and a 2025 7th round pick.
JC Jackson rose to prominence in New England, grabbing 17 interceptions in his final two season and earning the nickname Mr. INT. He had just one INT in an injury-plagued stint in Los Angeles. The #Patriots now have a need in the secondary. https://t.co/LHfmbBxTb6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2023
Jackson inked a hefty 5-year, $82.5 million contract in free agency just last season but has been struggling with injuries, poor play, and off-field issues during his brief stint with the Chargers.
The Patriots found themselves in need of additional depth in their secondary due to a slew of injuries, including a setback for promising rookie 1st round pick Christian Gonzalez.
The trade for JC Jackson was necessary because… #Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez, who would have been a candidate for defensive rookie of the year, is likely to miss the rest of the 2023 season with a torn labrum from a dislocated shoulder on Sunday, sources say. Surgery soon. pic.twitter.com/97usulsG6N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2023
Interestingly, Jackson had been sidelined as a healthy inactive two weeks ago by the Chargers, leaving him, in his own words, “confused” about the benching.
There has been reports that Jackson has a warrant out for his arrest, but nothing came of it.
J.C. Jackson ended up playing in just 7 games for the Chargers and made $28M last year.
Despite his issues with the Chargers, Jackson was a real play-maker during his initial tenure with the Patriots from, grabbing 25 interceptions