J.C. Jackson became a top cornerback in New England.
And now the Patriots will try to see if a return to Foxborough can re-ignite a once-promising career.
The Chargers traded Jackson to the Patriots on Wednesday just four games into the second season of a five-year mega contract, according to NFL Network.
New England is just swapping 2025 sixth- and seventh-round picks, per the report, to acquire Jackson, who signed an $82.5 million contract before the 2022 season.
This move is partially influenced by the Patriots losing rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez for the rest of the season due to a torn labrum, per NFL Network.
That Jackson only netted a late-round pick swap showcases his fall since he emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL entering free agency prior to the 2022 season.
The Patriots opted not to pay Jackson at the time, and the cornerback-needy Chargers landed Jackson in what was viewed as a strong move.
But the Chargers did not get what they paid for.
Jackson has played in a total of seven games across two seasons.
Last season, Los Angeles benched him during a Week 6 game against the Broncos and his year ended one week later after suffering a ruptured Patellar tendon.
Jackson was arrested last year over a “nonviolent family issue.”
The 27-year-old was again benched this year in Week 3 against the Vikings, and did not play this past Sunday against the Raiders.
He finished his Chargers tenure with one interception.
The Patriots hope a return to their scheme can galvanize Jackson, and the team needs some type of lift amid its disappointing 1-3 start.
They originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
New England’s stout defense has taken two blows with the loss of top pass rusher Matthew Judon, who is expected to be out at least two months with a torn biceps, and Gonzalez.
The Patriots host the Saints in Week 5 in a battle of struggling teams with playoff hopes.
The Chargers have their bye week.
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