The Chicago Bears should spend big on J.C. Jackson
Before we get into what J.C. Jackson brings to the table, just know that he is a prime candidate for the franchise tag. The window for teams to use the franchise tag opened on Tuesday and closes on March 8, so the New England Patriots have a couple of weeks to make that decision.
If the Patriots decide not to use the tag and instead try to sign him long-term, they will absolutely have competition for Jackson. The former undrafted free agent out of Maryland, back in 2018, has become one of the top cornerbacks in football today.
Jackson has actually been on the ascent for a couple of years now, but only got the recognition recently, as he was named to the Pro Bowl this past season. Over his four seasons with the Patriots, Jackson has racked up 53 passes defensed (including a whopping 23 this last year) and 25 interceptions.
Last season, Jackson picked off eight passes. In 2020, he tallied nine interceptions. His rise has been fast and furious since coming out of nowhere four years ago.
Jackson is the definition of a playmaker on the outside. This is the type of guy Chicago needs in their secondary. Anyone who makes plays on the football is welcome on this defense, and if the Bears have any shot at signing him, they’re going to have to spend big — and he’ll be well worth it.