The top question of the 2022 Patriots offseason was addressed Tuesday evening by one of the team’s star players, who sounds like he’s ready to stay, or go ... if the price is right.
In a conversation with Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, Patriots cornerback JC Jackson, now an unrestricted free agent, said he has not heard from the team this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he’s closing the door on his time in Foxboro. Including playing under the franchise tag.
"I love the game," said Jackson. "If they tag me, I'm gonna go out there and play."
However the lack of contact thus far doesn’t seem to be sitting too well with the 26 year old corner, inarguably the top free agent at his position this offseason.
"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."
There has been some contact between the two sides about an extension beyond his rookie deal. The Patriots approached Jackson during the season, but he preferred to focus on his game, a gamble on himself that he could increase his value, which seems to have paid off.
"It was all positive things," said Jackson. "I wanted to focus on ball at the time. I wanted to finish the season the right way. I didn't really come back to them on it."
What the value of the offer was will likely never be known. But when it comes to value the undrafted corner out of Maryland, whose accolades include a recent appearance at the Pro Bowl, the PFF 101 and the NFL’s Top 100, knows his money is coming. Likely something in the range of at last $18 million per season, with many potential suitors in waiting. And like an errantly thrown pass he’s ready to grab it.
“I'm taking it day by day. But it's time for me to get paid. It's time to get Mr. INT paid."
Teams can place the franchise tag on a player now through March 8th. The value of the tag on a cornerback this offseason is approximately $17.3 million.
