New England Patriots: J.C. Jackson predicted as a Pro Bowler in 2021

What’s in store for New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson in 2021?

Perhaps a Pro Bowl nod or even an All-Pro selection? Most certainly Jackson will have the chance to show Bill Belichick he is worthy of taking over as the team’s lockdown corner depending on what happens with Stephon Gilmore this upcoming season and/or beyond.

Coming off a 2020 season in which he should’ve made the Pro Bowl, picking off 9 quarterback passes, sky is the limit for the 2018 undrafted rookie free agent who will not only be playing to show the league he is a No. 1 corner, but also playing for a big pay day.

While the Patriots do have him under contract through 2022, Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent following the season. So, if he does make the Pro Bowl as predicted by NFL.com’s Marc Sessler, Mr. Robert Kraft will be writing a huge check in order to retain his services.

New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson playing for the big money

More from New England Patriots

In predicting each team’s potential first-time Pro Bowler for 2021, Sessler has the following to say about Jackson:

"“One of the best corners around against the deep ball, this undrafted free-agent signee has doubled as money in the bank for Bill Belichick and friends. Set to hit free agency if the Pats don’t pay up, Jackson should be highly motivated to author his finest work yet.”"

It’s hard to disagree with Sessler given Jackson’s ballhawk ability showcased the last couple of seasons. In 2019 and 2020, Jackson combined for 17 interceptions which actually is more than Gilmore and only 1 less than Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard who has 18 interceptions over the past two seasons.

Ironically, Howard is also holding out for more money. So, Jackson has to be thinking about his next contract entering the 2021 season and Belichick and the Patriots have to be thinking the same.

If the team believes in Jackson and his ability to make another leap, that could be in the way of Gilmore’s contract. As any Patriots fan knows, Belichick is always willing to move on from a player a season or two too soon rather than holding on to that player past his prime, especially when there is a younger, more affordable player waiting in the wings.

The question is, does Belichick feel Jackson is ready?

When asked about Jackson’s role back in June, the New England Patriots coach sidestepped the question by focusing on the 2021 NFL season as a new season in which every player will be working to put forth their best performance given their role.

"“Every year is a new year for all of us,” Belichick said, via Patriots.com. “So it doesn’t really matter what did or didn’t happen last year. We’re all working on building a good foundation this year and trying to have our best performance in the 2021 season. I know that J.C. [Jackson], that’s his goal and that’s all of our goals, so we’ll see how it goes.”"

dark. Next. New England Patriots: 5 players blazing the way into 2021 NFL season

While the Patriots are deep at the cornerback position with Gilmore, Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant, JoeJuan Williams and Jalen Mills, there will really be a drop off if the team can’t reach an agreement with Gilmore. If that were to happen, all the pressure will be put on Jackson to not only fill those shoes but create his own Pro Bowl status as a cornerback.

If the last two seasons are any indication, this is a prediction that will certainly stand.

Home/New England Patriots