J.C. Jackson Released by Patriots; Was Set to Make $14.4M Under Contract in 2024

The New England Patriots announced on Friday that they released veteran cornerback J.C. Jackson.

Jackson had a cap hit of just over $14.4 million in 2024, via Spotrac. He began the 2023 season as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers after spending time with the Patriots from 2018 through 2021.

He was eventually traded back to New England on Oct. 5, as he was unable to live up to the hefty five-year deal worth $82.5 million that he signed with Los Angeles in the 2022 offseason.

Releasing Jackson gives the Patriots $101.7 million in salary-cap space ahead of free agency, per Over The Cap.

Two days before his release, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo heaped praise upon the 28-year-old when speaking about his unknown status moving forward with the team.

"Those discussions are still going," Mayo said, per Chris Mason of MassLive.com. "I love J.C.—coached him, saw him develop into a man. We'll see how that goes going forward. Heck of a football player. Two years removed from injury. He's probably going to move a lot better this year, so we'll see."

Jackson wrapped up a career year with the Patriots in 2021, leading the NFL with 23 passes defensed while his eight interceptions ranked No. 2 among all players. His inaugural 2022 campaign with the Chargers was cut short by a season-ending knee injury in Week 7, and he's struggled to regain his previous form ever since.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson allowed 35 receptions on 63 targets in 2023 while accumulating a disappointing 34.8 player grade. He recorded just one interception throughout 10 games with the Patriots and Chargers.

The writing appeared to be on the wall after Jackson was reportedly benched during New England's Week 10 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts after missing curfew at the team hotel ahead of the Patriots' clash against the Washington Commanders one week earlier.

He suited up in three more contests before missing the final four weeks of the regular season after his agent revealed that he was dealing with "mental health issues," per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Jackson will now look for a new home in free agency.