After the Patriots play their final preseason game of the offseason on Sunday, the new regime will focus on reducing the roster by 4 p.m. on August 27. This is the first and only roster reduction the NFL is currently conducting, so Jerod Mayo and Co. will have a lot of decisions to make to reduce the roster from 90 players to the 53 planned for the season.
It’s also an opportunity for teams to tap into the waiver list and free agents to sign or acquire players released by the deadline. The Patriots are fortunate to be third on the waiver list, giving them a good chance to sign some coveted players before the season even starts.
It was assumed that they would primarily look for players on the offensive line who could fit their needs and perhaps even wide receivers to bolster their improved receiver group.
However, there have been talks of a possible reunion between the Patriots and an undrafted cornerback who Bill Belichick coached into a star and who is still a free agent with the season approaching.
Among the players the Patriots released at the start of free agency earlier this year was JC Jackson, whom the team signed in the middle of the 2023 season via trade after his failed stint with the Chargers and a season-ending injury to rookie Christian Gonzalez in Week 4.
Jackson had difficulty adjusting to the changed style of play in LA’s defense, which ultimately led to his transfer, even though he had received a high-paying contract just two years earlier.
Reuniting with the Patriots seemed like a good idea at the time, as he enjoyed his greatest success in New England and became the best cornerback in the 2022 class. But enthusiasm waned after Jackson failed to match his performance from his last stint with the team. After some off-field issues, he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in December, ending his season early.
Jerod Mayo claimed there was a chance they would re-sign Jackson at some point in the offseason, which may still have been an option, but the NFL just announced that the cornerback would serve a one-game suspension for violating conduct rules at the start of the 2024 season.
Free agent CB JC Jackson has been suspended for the first game of the 2024 season for violating the rules of conduct. He is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities. His suspension will take effect when the roster is reduced to 53 players. pic.twitter.com/V0syJf8og1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 23 August 2024
If a reunion was still possible this late in the offseason, it is surely on hold now.
Although Jackson didn’t perform as well as hoped last year, he could still be a valuable addition to the Patriots’ secondary if he can get back on track. The cornerbacks are talented but thin, so adding him to the roster would likely be worthwhile.
However, if this happens, it will be paused for the time being.
