According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are not expected to place the franchise tag on cornerback J.C Jackson.
From NFL Now: #Patriots CB JC Jackson is expected to hit the free agent market, rather than receive the franchise tag. One of the top CBs will generate significant interest. pic.twitter.com/i3PE7GGGNE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2022
The news comes as a surprise considering the Patriots history of tagging players. Most industry insiders thought Bill Belichick would tag Jackson considering his production the past two seasons but it appears he is not.
Could that change? Sure. The Patriots could let Jackson hit the open market and see what he gets for offers before deciding whether or not to compete for his services. It is a risky move but it is a risk the Patriots are willing to take apparently.
Jackson recently expressed frustration with the Patriots not communicating with him about an extension. Well, now we know why.
One has to assume that if Jackson hits the market, he will more than likely sign elsewhere. If that is the case, cornerback becomes the Patriots number one need this off-season.
Belichick will more than likely address it in the draft and possibly free agency depending on the Patriots cap situation. Either way you slice it, replacing Jackson will be hard.
The Patriots have until Tuesday to tag Jackson otherwise he becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 16th at 4 pm.