The departure of J.C. Jackson leaves a huge hole in the New England Patriots’ defense.
Bill Belichick went from Stephon Gilmore and Jackson anchoring the secondary to Jalen Mills as the top option. Jackson joined the Los Angeles Chargers on a five-year, $82.5 million contract — money the Patriots simply don’t have to spend.
Money is currently the issue. The Patriots spent a ton on players in free agency last offseason and there isn’t much leftover, especially with the task of re-signing veterans like Devin McCourty, Matt Slater, Nick Folk and Brian Hoyer.
The Patriots’ depth at the cornerback position currently consists of Mills, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant, Joejuan Williams and Shaun Wade. Let’s take a dive into cheaper options at cornerback that New England can consider.