Patriots: 3 players New England could include in Julio Jones trade
By Jerry Trotta
2. JC Jackson
Like we noted earlier, acquiring a player of Jones’ caliber is going to cost a haul, meaning the Patriots will have to part ways with at least one member of their young core. If third-year cornerback JC Jackson doesn’t fill that bill, then nobody does.
The Patriots could’ve made Jackson untouchable had they signed him to an extension this offseason, but they decided to hit him with a second-round tender as a restricted free agent, which he ultimately signed. He’ll just hit unrestricted free agency next offseason now.
Coming off a year in which he tallied 40 tackles, nine interceptions (which ranked second in the league), 14 passes defended and three fumble recoveries, Jackson might be considered a must-have for the Falcons in any trade involving Jones.
If the Patriots trade for Julio Jones, JC Jackson will probably be included.
After all, it was speculated by insiders immediately after Jackson signed his tender that he could still be traded. If you remember, the Patriots did something similar with Malcolm Butler back in 2017 when they discussed dealing him to the Saints in a sign and trade.
Fans would hate to see New England give up on Jackson this early into his career, but when a talent like Jones is coming back in return, they’d really have nothing to complain about.
Plus, you could always re-sign him in a few months!