Well that’s a big move: the New England Patriots are trading for Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson ahead of Sunday’s game with the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with their former All-Pro. Jackson has been a whopping disappointment since signing with the Chargers in 2022 but he intercepted 26 passes in four years with the Patriots and was a terrific scheme fit in Bill Belichick’s defense. Maybe he can bounce back.
Still, it hasn’t seemed to matter which cornerbacks line up against the Saints through their first four games: they haven’t been able to move the ball or score points on anyone. Quarterback Derek Carr needs to play better, but he hasn’t been helped by poor play calling from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Something has to give.
As for Jackson and the Patriots: New England is managing injuries to a number of cornerbacks on their depth chart including rookie standout Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones and Jack Jones. If nothing else Jackson gives them another healthy body.
