FOXBOROUGH -- JC Jackson was honest when speaking with the media on Thursday following cornerback Stephon Gilmore being traded by the Patriots to the Panthers a day prior.
“I was kind of shocked, but I know it's a business at the end of the day," he said. "I’m still shocked he’s not here.”
Gilmore had been on PUP since the start of the year due to a quad injury suffered at the end of last year, but his trade appeared to be centered around his contract.
Jackson has been the Patriots' No. 1 corner since the end of last year when Gilmore missed games, but will things change now with him no longer with the organization?
“Not really," he said. "I still have the same mentality every day to compete and get better. I’m still shocked he’s not here.”
Jackson is now in his fourth year in the league and he credited Gilmore for teaching him a lot of things during their time together, especially studying film of wide receivers.
The 25-year-old stated his goal is to one day be a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL, but he doesn't believe he's there yet.
"I still got a lot to improve," Jackson said. "I feel like I don't want to get to complacent. … That's what keeps me going.”
He will be a free agent this offseason and will be looking to cash in on his first big contract after coming into the league as an undrafted rookie.
