Breaking: Raiders Closing In On Deal To Sign Former $82.5 Million All-Pro Free Agent
The Los Angeles Chargers’ signing of cornerback J.C. Jackson was one of the most high-profile free agent failures in recent years. In 2022, the team signed him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract, although he missed 12 games in his first season before being traded to the New England Patriots in the second year.
Jackson went from All-Pro with 17 interceptions in two seasons to being unable to play. Tom Telesco, the current general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, was the one who signed Jackson’s contract.
The Raiders have a need at cornerback, and Telesco may be hesitant to give Jackson another chance. However, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham learned how to coach defense from Bill Belichick, who got the most out of Jackson during their time in New England.
Perhaps Graham’s system would be more appropriate for the CB. He won’t cost nearly as much as he did in 2021. Furthermore, Jackson is only 28, so he has the potential to be a long-term starter if he can regain his form. Given that he will not be receiving a large salary, the Raiders might easily cut him if he does not perform well. It’s something the team should examine.
Tom Telesco Had to Apologize for J.C. Jackson Signing
The Raiders’ main challenge in considering a Jackson signing is convincing Telesco that it’s a good idea. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, his deal with the Chargers was so awful that he had to apologize to the team’s defensive backs for signing them.
According to Rhim’s November 2023 report, Telesco informed the team that signing Jackson was a mistake, citing various sources. “He apologized for continuing to give Jackson opportunities, despite Jackson consistently demonstrating that he was not as committed as the rest of the team despite being one of the Chargers’ highest-paid players.”
“Telesco called the move a ‘swing and a miss.'”
Even the finest general managers make mistakes with free agency acquisitions, but they rarely have to repent in front of their position groups. That implies that Jackson’s presence was so toxic that it harmed the whole group. Telesco may not be interested in acquiring Jackson, but last year’s daring addition of Jack Jones proved successful. Perhaps the last two seasons have humbled Jackson, and he will be ready to work in 2024.
There Are Less Risky Options
Jackson is appealing because he’s a turnover machine when he’s on his A-game and is still young. However, it sounds like he can be a headache for a locker room and the Raiders are all about having good vibes right now under head coach Antonio Pierce.
There are other solid cornerback alternatives in free agency that do not raise as many red flags.Stephon Gilmore, Adoree’ Jackson, and Xavien Howard have previous experience playing under Graham or in a comparable scheme. Howard is a ballhawk and still only 30, so he’s definitely the best option. Gilmore is one of his generation’s top cornerbacks, although he is 33. If the Raiders are only looking for a one-year rental, age should not be a concern.
