Patriots Rumors: JC Jackson Expected to Hit Free Agency Rather Than Get Franchise Tag

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said that J.C. Jackson won't be getting a franchise tag.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet

From NFL Now: #Patriots CB JC Jackson is expected to hit the free agent market, rather than receive the franchise tag. One of the top CBs will generate significant interest. pic.twitter.com/i3PE7GGGNE

Jackson will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

He was named second-team All-Pro in 2021, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection after totaling eight picks and a league-high 23 passes defended.

Even though he was overshadowed by Stephon Gilmore, Jackson was voted a top 10 defensive back entering the season. He has 25 picks in four years, good for 15th among all active players.

Jackson was overlooked in the draft, but he has more than 13 picks in his career.

Despite his success, Jackson wasn't contacted by the Pats to discuss a new contract.

Jackson told Phil Perry of NBC Sports last month that he can't be that important to them. I know I am, but they are not showing me.

The franchise tag is projected to be $17.295 for the cornerbacks, so he could have been kept under team control. The talented player will be allowed to hit the open market.

It should lead to a lot of money for Jackson, who is listed as the top defensive back in the draft.

Jackson and Gilmore were both lost to the Pats in the course of a year. The team might need big jumps from Myles Bryant and Joejuan Williams in the future.