NFL Rumors: J.C. Jackson Traded to Patriots; Signed $82.5M Chargers Contract in 2022

Cornerback J.C. Jackson is reportedly heading back to the New England Patriots via trade.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed Wednesday to send Jackson back to his former team in exchange for swapping sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2025.

Jackson spent his first four NFL seasons with the Pats before signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers in free agency last year. The Chargers are "paying the majority" of Jackson' salary as part of the trade, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

After struggling in losses to the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans to start the season, Jackson was a healthy scratch in Week 3. He was active in Week 4, but did not log a single defensive snap.

Per Rapoport, the Patriots entered the trade market for a cornerback since rookie sensation Christian Gonzalez is likely to miss the remainder of the 2023 season with a torn labrum after dislocating his shoulder in Week 4.

According to Rapoport, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked Wednesday morning if he would make a trade for a cornerback based on Gonzalez's status, and he replied, "To make a trade at this point, somebody has to be available. So let's start with that."

In Jackson, Belichick acquired a defensive back who he is familiar with and put in positions to succeed in the past.

The 27-year-old Jackson originally signed with New England as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2018, and he quickly established himself as a key part of the defense.

Jackson started five of the 13 games he appeared in during his rookie season and six of 16 games in 2019 before making 11 starts in 2020 and a career-high 17 starts in 2020.

He was a certified ballhawk during his first stint in New England, reeling in 25 interceptions in 62 games, including a career-high nine in 2020, and eight in 2021, which was the year of his first and only Pro Bowl selection.

After signing a huge contract with L.A., Jackson was limited to five games last season due to a patellar tendon rupture in his knee.

In all, Jackson played in seven games for the Bolts, recording 18 tackles, five passes defended and one interception.

The Chargers, who have won each of their past two games to improve to 2-2 on the season, are likely to move forward with Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. as their starting outside cornerbacks.

Meanwhile, New England could give Jackson a chance to start immediately with Gonzalez on the shelf and Jonathan Jones missing the past three games with an ankle injury.

Until Jones returns, Jackson will compete with Shaun Wade, Myles Bryant and rookie sixth-round pick Ameer Speed for playing time at outside corner.

Jackson's first chance to get back on the field for the 1-3 Pats could come Sunday when they host the New Orleans Saints.