5 Former Patriots Who Still Can't Find a Job in 2024 Free Agency
There are a few former Patriots who are struggling to find a new home in free agency.
By Cem Yolbulan
The New England Patriots embark on a new era with the departure of Bill Belichick and the arrival of Jerod Mayo. The team will look entirely different next season with plenty of newcomers as some key starters head elsewhere.
Despite the fact that two weeks have passed since the start of free agency, there are still a few Patriots who haven't signed with a team yet. Let's take a look.
J.C. Jackson, CB
The veteran cornerback just finished his second stint with the New England Patriots after being acquired by the Los Angeles Chargers via a trade mid-season. He was subsequently released at the end of the season, but seeing the lack of interest in the former Pro Bowler, a potential third stint in New England shouldn't be ruled out.
In his previous stint with the Pats, Jackson was one of the best players in his position. In two seasons, 2020 and 2021, he had a total of 17 interceptions, 37 passes defended, and allowed less than 70 passer rating to quarterbacks when targeted.
This earned him a massive five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Chargers. Things didn't work out well for him in Los Angeles as the star-studded defensive unit consistently underwhelmed. A patellar tendon tear caused him to miss the entire season and he hasn't been the same ever since.
However, now being two years removed from the injury, Jackson could potentially regain some of his old form back. He shouldn't be on this list much longer, but how big of a contract he will end up signing remains to be seen.