Restricted free agent J.C. Jackson has signed his one-year tender with the New England Patriots, according to multiple reports.
The cornerback shared the news in a photo posted to his Instagram account on Friday.
Jackson, 25, had been designated at the second-round level leading up to the opening of the new NFL year in March. He is now scheduled to earn $3.384 million in 2021 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Other teams had until April 23 to extend an offer sheet to Jackson, with New England reserving the right to match or otherwise receive draft compensation.
Jackson has appeared in 45 games and made 22 starts since arriving as an undrafted rookie in 2018. The former Florida Gator, Riverside City College Tiger and Maryland Terrapin stands with 100 tackles, three fumble recoveries, 30 passes defended and 17 interceptions in his career.
Last season, Jackson ranked second in the league behind All-Pro Xavien Howard of the Miami Dolphins with nine picks. He set a Patriots franchise record by reeling in one in five consecutive games and played 84 percent of the defensive snaps.
New England’s cornerback depth chart currently features Jackson, Stephon Gilmore’s $7 million base salary in a contract year, plus Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Myles Bryant, D’Angelo Ross, Michael Jackson Sr., Dee Virgin, Jalen Mills and gunner Justin Bethel.
Veteran Jason McCourty, a team captain in 2020, remains unsigned.