Tag: J.C. Jackson Chargers

Brandon Staley on J.C. Jackson’s status for Sunday vs. Raiders: ‘All options are open’

Brandon Staley seemed disappointed in J.C. Jackson’s work ethic.

One week after J.C. Jackson was a healthy scratch against the Vikings, it doesn’t seem as though his path toward returning to the field is any clearer. When asked about possibilities for his availability on Sunday, Brandon Staley kept it brief:

Despite being healthy, Jackson’s outright absence from the Vikings’ game was unprecedented in his Chargers’ tenure. It certainly got fans and pundits talking about the massive five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed less than two years ago.

Asante Samuel Jr., Michael Davis, and Ja’Sir Taylor were the primary cornerback trio last week as the Chargers shortened their rotation. While the secondary performance was better than Week 1 or 2 by comparison, Los Angeles still allowed explosive plays in the back half at an alarming rate.

While the opposing quarterback they’ll be facing is an unknown variable for the Bolts, Davante Adams will be on the field come Sunday. Last year, Adams had 18 receptions for 318 yards and two touchdowns in his two games against the Chargers.

On Monday, Staley said that Jackson’s availability would be based on his cumulative work in practice and everything leading up to the game. The Chargers head coach seemed disappointed in Jackson’s work ethic based on the quote:

It will just be determined by what he does — preparation, practice, all of that cumulative stuff.

The inactive list prior to Sunday’s game will determine a lot for the Chargers’ defense going forward. We’ll see whether Staley continues to roll with the current cornerback trio or if Los Angeles’ premier cornerback signing can get back on the field.

Twitter reacts to Chargers landing CB J.C. Jackson in free agency

The Chargers got their No. 1 cornerback in J.C. Jackson, who’s expected to sign with Los Angeles. Here’s how fans are reacting:

The Chargers struck gold, as they’re expected to sign former Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson when the free agency period begins on Wednesday.

Here’s how the general population reacted to Los Angeles landing the top free agent on the market:

Report: Chargers expected to be ‘heavily involved’ with CB J.C. Jackson

The Chargers are looking to add the top-tier cornerback.

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.

Report: Chargers ‘could be in mix’ for J.C. Jackson, Stephon Gilmore

The Chargers could look to be aggressive in landing a top free-agent cornerback.

With that legal tampering period just a week away, this is the time when reports and rumors will be flying all over the place regarding where some of the free agents could end up when the period begins on March 16.

For the Chargers, who will be in the market for more cornerback talent, they could be in the running for Patriots’ J.C. Jackson and Panthers’ Stephon Gilmore, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.

Jackson enters as one of the hottest commodities. Rather than receiving the franchise tag, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that New England is expected to let him hit the open market.

The sticky cover man, Jackson, has 22 interceptions over the past three seasons, which are tops in the NFL. Further, his 47 passes defended are tied for second.

The question becomes whether Los Angeles is willing to pay Jackson what he will be seeking. His contract projection is four years for $72 million ($18M per year, $56 million total guaranteed).

Gilmore, on the other hand, played nine games for Carolina in 2021 and was as good as advertised. When quarterbacks threw his way, they had very little success, as he allowed just 15 catches on the season.

Prior to that, through his four-year career in New England, Gilmore was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

The Chargers are set to have the second-most salary cap space in the NFL at $56.4 million. While retaining their own is the top priority, they should still have the finances to land a big fish in the pond or two, like Jackson or Gilmore.