3 Former Patriots Still Unemployed Entering Training Camp

2. JC Jackson, cornerback

The rapid decline of JC Jackson needs to be studied.

Jackson was one of the league's most productive cornerbacks in his first four years with the Patriots, racking up a whopping 53 passes defended and 26 interceptions from 2018-2021. By the time Jackson hit free agency in the 2022 offseason, he was one of the most coveted playmakers in the defensive backfield and the Los Angeles Chargers gave him a whopping $82.5 million on a five-year deal.

Jackson ended up playing just seven games for the Patriots. Talk about not getting a return on investment.

Whether it was due to injury or off-field issues, the Chargers couldn't wait to wash their hands of the JC Jackson experiment in 2023 and they traded him back to the New England Patriots for next to nothing. He ended up playing eight games in his return to New England last year, racking up six passes defensed, but it's not a surprise to see him still sitting there in free agency as we head into training camp.

Jackson went from being known for his practice and work habits as a member of the Patriots to being known for bad practice habits in Los Angeles. He became enough of a problem for the Chargers that they benched him despite his hefty contract and although Jackson expressed surprise, the issues we all read about off the field translated on the field.

He was a fish out of water outside of New England. Perhaps the Patriots will consider bringing him back at some point if the price is right this offseason.