According to Jordan Schultz, the San Francisco 49ers are among the NFL teams expected to have "legitimate interest" in New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson. Jackson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year on March 16.
Schultz also names the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Miami Dolphins as potential suitors.
#Pats FA corner J.C. Jackson -- who's still just 26 -- will set the market in a big way. Sources say the #Bengals, #Chargers, #Niners and #Dolphins will all have legitimate interest in the All-Pro, among others. @MR_INT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 8, 2022
Most expect the 49ers to target a veteran cornerback in free agency, looking to improve the unit that ranked sixth against the pass in 2021. The team has several defensive backs scheduled to become free agents, including cornerbacks Jason Verrett, K'Waun Williams, Josh Norman, and Dontae Johnson.
The New England Patriots signed Jackson (6-1, 198) as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2018. He registered 58 tackles, two tackles for a loss, a league-leading 23 passes defensed, eight interceptions, a touchdown, and a forced fumble through 17 game appearances with the Patriots last season. Jackson's 2021 campaign earned him a Pro Bowl selection, and he was named a second-team All-Pro.
Jackson, 26, has recorded 158 tackles, 53 passes defensed, 25 interceptions, a touchdown, and a forced fumble in 62 game appearances and 39 starts through his four NFL seasons.