3 Patriots Free Agents Who Could Still Re-Sign in New England

1. J.C. Jackson

Much like Brown, J.C. Jackson's time with the Patriots in 2023 was mired in controversy. Only seven games into a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, Jackson was shipped out of Southern California back to New England, where he began his career as an undrafted free agent. The cornerback's tenure with the Chargers was short-lived due to issues surrounding his commitment level and character concerns, issues that continued even once he reunited with the Patriots on Oct. 5.

Jackson was benched for the start of the team's Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders after no-showing at the team's hotel the night before, which also led to him being left behind when the team traveled to Germany in Week 10 to face the Indianapolis Colts over "concerns about his reliability".

Releasing Jackson was essentially a foregone conclusion as it freed up over $14 million in cap space, but both sides reportedly have "mutual interest in a return". When he is at his best, Jackson is a game changer. Unfortunately, he hasn't tapped into that level of production over the last two seasons. He earned All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 after leading the league in pass defended while picking off eight passes.

His cap hit should be at quite the discount compared to the three years and $42.5 million he was originally owed. The salary should be reasonable this time around and both sides have mutual interest, don't be surprised if Jackson is given yet another chance in New England.

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