INDIANAPOLIS — The Patriots have not decided on cornerback J.C. Jackson’s future with the team.
Jackson, who was acquired in a trade with the Chargers for a 2025 sixth-seven-round draft pick swap, is due a $14.375 million salary in 2024. He finished the season reserve/non-football illness list after suffering from mental health issues, per his agent.
“I would say we haven’t come to a decision on that,” Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf said Tuesday. “We’re working through that. Haven’t talked to the defensive staff about that specifically yet.”
Cutting or trading Jackson would free up $14.375 million in cap space. The Patriots also have the option of restructuring his contract.
Jackson was also benched for a game last season and didn’t travel with the team to Germany for their contest against the Colts.
The Patriots have Isaiah Bolden, Christian Gonzalez, Azizi Hearn, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade and Marco Wilson on their roster at cornerback.
Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington and cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino both have long relationships with Jackson, who played for the Patriots from 2018 to 2021.