The Patriots had a decision to make on cornerback JC Jackson as a restricted free agent and they look it up to a few hours before the 4 p.m. deadline.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots placed a second-round tender on Jackson.
If he signs it, the tender will pay him $3.384 million this season. But, if another team signs him to an offer sheet and the Patriots decline to match, they would receive a second-round draft pick in return.
Many expected Jackson would get a first-round tender, which would have earned him a $4.766 million salary in 2021.
It's fair to wonder if they placed the second-round tender on him with the hope of another team signing him and thus getting a second-round pick in return. Jackson can negotiate with other teams through April 23.
Besides Jackson, the Patriots currently have Stephon Gilmore, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills and Myles Bryant on the depth chart at the position, although Gilmore is certainly not a lock to be on the team come training camp.
Jackson, 25, had nine interceptions last year, which were second in the entire NFL.
