The Chargers struck gold, agreeing with the Bears to trade for edge defender Khalil Mack. But don’t expect them to take the foot off the gas, as head coach Brandon Staley looks to bring in the right pieces to retool his defense.
Among the pending free agents to look out for is Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson, who is expected to be heavily targeted by Los Angeles, according to NFL Media’s Mike Giardi.
After New England elected not to place the franchise tag on him, Jackson enters the free agency period as one of the hottest names on the market.
Arguably one of the best cornerbacks in man coverage, Jackson recorded a career-high 58 tackles, and NFL-best 23 passes defended while adding eight interceptions en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Jackson, 26, has 22 interceptions over the past three seasons, which are tops in the NFL. Further, his 47 passes defended are tied for second.
With Staley looking to find his Jalen Ramsey, Jackson would fill that role while Michael Davis would play opposite him and Asante Samuel Jr. would play in the slot more frequently.
If the Chargers agree to terms with Jackson on Monday when the legal tampering period begins, nothing can be finalized until Wednesday when the new league year begins.