Guregian: Patriots have more than one cornerback riddle to solve

FOXBORO — If Stephon Gilmore’s contract situation has been tough to resolve, just wait. J.C. Jackson’s on deck.

Gilmore’s sidekick merely finished second in the league last year in quarterback thievery, coming away with nine interceptions, trailing only Xavien Howard of the Dolphins. Jackson also recorded 14 passes defended and allowed just a 59 % completion percentage and 66.6 passer rating in coverage.

If he’s able to build off those impressive numbers, Jackson will find plenty of suitors willing to offer him a significant pay raise given he’s due to hit free agency next year.

Speaking with the media Saturday, Jackson played it cool. He didn’t seem bothered that the Patriots placed a second-round tender (one year, $3.384 million) on him as a restricted free agent — which he signed — as opposed to offering a contract extension.

“I wasn’t expecting no contract extension yet,” said Jackson. “It just gives me another year to get better and improve myself, actually. That’s how I look at it. Nothing negative. All positive.”

In other words, Jackson knows his time is going to come. Big paydays are part of the norm for the better corners in the league. Given the importance of the position, especially for the shutdown types, they get paid. Case in point, the top six corners make between $15 million and $20 million a year, with the Rams’ Jalen Ramsey sitting at the top.

So as long as Jackson stays healthy, and has a good year, he will command a sizable deal, whether he’s the top corner, or the No. 2 on the Patriots depth chart.

“They pretty much hold me to a high standard. I play that way,” Jackson said when asked how he views his role with the team. “You just have to be accountable, man, knowing that the team is depending on you.”

Gilmore’s status will likely determine some of Jackson’s fate going forward.

The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn’t in the top 10 when it comes to salaries, which is at the heart of his dispute.

Jackson, an undrafted free agent Bill Belichick signed in 2018, is surely in line for some big money, whether it’s with the Patriots or another team. It’s just a matter of time.

Is it possible the Patriots will pay both of their corners big money to stick around New England? Sure, but it’s not likely. Highly doubtful might be the better description.

Gilmore reported to camp but was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list, ostensibly to continue to rehab the partially torn quad he suffered late last season. Should he miss time in 2021 for whatever reason, Jackson’s role will expand. He’ll be the top corner, and if he performs close to Gilmore’s level, the Patriots will he hard-pressed to keep the 25-year-old next year.

If Gilmore only gets a bump for this season, both will be free agents next year. If the Patriots hand over a legitimate extension to the soon-to-be 31-year-old corner, Jackson won’t likely elicit the richest offer from the Pats down the road.

Given the age of the two, the Patriots would prefer to keep Jackson, one of their success stories as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland.

And it sure doesn’t sound like Jackson plans to rest on his laurels, and rely solely on the impressive interception numbers he’s posted over the past few years.

“The interceptions don’t really mean nothing. That’s last year,” he said, referring to his 9-spot. “I just have to be consistent this year and just perform.”

Four training camp practices in, Jackson sounded confident he will have another good season.

“It feels good to be back. I have to get back in my mode,” he said. “But I feel like I’m ready, though. Get off to a good start.”

Jackson said he and Gilmore, who form one of the best cornerback tandems in the league, talk every day.

He considers Gilmore a “big brother” and has learned quite a bit from the four-time Pro Bowler.

“I mean, just watching somebody in their prime, somebody who won Defensive Player of the Year, he’s one of the top corners in the league,” said Jackson. “Being able to be on the same team as him is a blessing.”

Bottom line: Eventually, something’s gotta give from the Patriots’ end.

Whether it’s giving Gilmore a one-year bump, or dealing with Jackson ahead of free agency, someone’s going to get paid.

After all the money spent to bolster the roster, as well as the team’s chances to make the postseason, it makes no sense to be short at cornerback.

Asked if he’d like to remain a Patriots long-term, Jackson answered: “We’ll discuss that later.”

Indeed, they will.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/37e3GXS