The Patriots released cornerback J.C. Jackson on Friday.
The move, which was not unexpected, saves the team over $13 million in cap space. The Patriots now have the most cap space in the NFL with over $101 million to spend this offseason, per OverTheCap.com.
The Patriots acquired Jackson and a seventh-round pick from the Chargers in exchange for a sixth-round pick last season. They acquired Jackson after losing rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez for the season to a torn labrum. Jackson played eight games before being placed on the non-football illness list for mental-health issues. He was also suspended one game for missing curfew.
Jackson began his career with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He was a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro in 2021 before signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers. He suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in 2022 and struggled to fully recover from the injury last season.
The Patriots now have cornerbacks Isaiah Bolden, Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade and Marco Wilson left on their roster with a need at the position.