J.C. Jackson on Patriots Contract Talks: 'I Guess They Feel Like They Don't Need Me'

J.C. Jackson is a free agent and has never played for a team outside of the New England Pats, but that may change since he is a free agent.

I guess they don't need me, Jackson said. I know I am, but they are not showing me.

He said he discussed a possible contract extension with the Pats during the season.

He said it was all positive. I wanted to end the season in the right way. I did not come back to them on it.

If New England chooses that route, Jackson is not against playing on the franchise tag.

There is a lot to like about the game. He was a Pro Bowler this past year, after he helped the Pats win a Super Bowl in his first season. He had 58 tackles, 23 passes defended, eight interceptions, one forced fumbled and a defensive touchdown.

Jackson is just 26 years old and will remain productive for the foreseeable future.

That is someone a team can build a defense around. The open market will be interested in him if the patriots don't bring him back.

According to Spotrac, the New Englanders are 22nd in the league in cap space. If they try to bring Jackson back, it will be more difficult on their part, but he can be a cornerstone for the defense.