Patriots news: No tag on ‘Mr. INT’J.C. Jackson; James Bradberry rumors
It’s time for J.C. Jackson to get paid and if it’s not the New England Patriots then it will some other NFL team out there.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are not expected to use the franchise tag on the ballhawk cornerback, which launches him right into the open market when the new league year begins.
Ranked as the top cornerback eligible for free agency, Bill Belichick and the Patriots will take their usual route with internal players seeking big contracts. They will simply let Jackson go out there and explore his value. If it’s something the team wants to match, they will. If it’s above their number, then they will let Jackson walk.
New England Patriots, J.C. Jackson to play the free agency game
Whether you consider this a smart move by the Patriots or not, it is how they operate. While some players have signed big deals elsewhere, Belichick has had some success at retaining players at his own price. Both Devin McCourty and Dont’a Hightower took similar paths, as well as Julian Edelman.
light. Related Story. 2 free agents that could replace Jackson
With some solid cornerbacks expected to hit the free agency market and some good prospects in the draft, the market may not be as robust as Jackson thinks. While it’s highly possible Mr. INT has played his last game in a New England Patriots uniform, don’t count out him re-signing with the team at a number Belichick feels is worth the value.
NFL rumors: New York Giants open to trading James Bradberry
If J.C. Jackson gets an offer he can’t refuse and takes his talents elsewhere in free agency, the New England Patriots will have some options at the cornerback position. One of those options is James Bradberry.
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According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Giants are exploring the idea of trading the 29-year-old cornerback.
"“One player who may end up getting traded and certainly will be the subject of trade calls is James Bradberry,” Rapoport said, via NFL.com. “The big-ticket free agent from several years ago still playing at a very a high level…. He is expected to be a player teams are going to call and potentially the Giants will listen.”"
With Jackson potentially walking, the Patriots will suddenly be one of those CB-needy teams who could kick the tires on a potential trade for Bradberry who is entering the final year of his 3-year, $43 million deal.
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Bradberry wasn’t quite “Mr. Int” in 2021, but he did have 4 interceptions last season with the Giants and would be a solid replacement for Jackson…at least for a season. If Belichick is looking to find a top corner through the draft, bringing in a veteran for a season who can play at a high level might just be the path.
Of course, there may be some cheaper option via free agency, but given Belichick’s connection with the Giants, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Bradberry is on his radar as he should be.