Patriots free agent-to-be J.C. Jackson voiced his frustration to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston regarding the Patriots lack of communication so far this offseason.
Jackson is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time this March. The Pro Bowl corner says New England hasn’t reached out to him about a new contract since the end of the season.
“I guess they feel like they don’t need me.” Jackson said, “I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me.”
Jackson was a restricted free agent last offseason following three seasons in which his base salary never eclipsed $750,000. He signed his restricted free agent tender and is prepared to accept another one-year deal this time around with the franchise tag looming.
The window to place the franchise tag on players across the NFL opened on February 22nd and closes March 8th. Jackson has no plans to hold out if he is franchise tagged. “If they tag me, I’m gonna go out there and play.”
The franchise tag for one season would guarantee Jackson more than triple what he’s made in total career earnings over his first four years in the NFL. Jackson made it clear: he’s looking for big time money this offseason after establishing himself as on of the league’s premiere ball hawks.
“Whatever happens happens, but it’s time for me to get paid. It’s time to get Mr. INT paid.”
Other notable Patriots free agents include Trent Brown, James White, Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, Matthew Slater, Jamie Collins, and Nick Folk. Free agency opens on March 16th at 4pm EST.
Photo: (David Silverman – New England Patriots)