It looks like “Mr. INT” is set to become “Mr. Free Agent.”
The Patriots aren’t expected to use the franchise tag on cornerback J.C. Jackson, reports NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. That means Jackson would become an unrestricted free agent. The deadline to franchise players is March 8.
“I’m told the tag is not expected to be applied to J.C. Jackson, which means ‘Mr. INT,’ one of the best ballhawks in the NFL and one of the best playmakers in the NFL regardless of position, is expected to be available for anyone,” Rapoport said Friday on NFL Network. “For a cornerback market with some really good corners, he may be the best one. Certainly teams are going to be extremely interested.”
Jackson, 26, leads the NFL with 25 interceptions since 2018. Last week, he told NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry there’s been no contact between him and the Patriots.
“I guess they feel like they don't need me,” he said. “I guess I can't be that important to them. I know I am, but they're not showing me.”
Jackson added it’s “time to get Mr. INT paid.”
The franchise tag for corners is around $17 million. NFL free agency begins March 16.
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