2021 NFL Draft rumors: 10 players that could be traded

8. JC Jackson, CB, New England Patriots

After their massive spending spree in free agency, it seems like it would be coming out of left field for the New England Patriots to trade away one of their best defensive backs, but it might come to that.

JC Jackson received a high restricted free agent tender from the Patriots, showing that the team is protecting themselves, but are they willing to give Jackson a long-term deal? Do they have to decide between he and veteran Stephon Gilmore?

In three seasons, Jackson has 17 interceptions (including nine last season) and 30 passes defensed. He has been absolutely tremendous in Bill Belichick’s defense and that would seem to warrant a long-term deal.

But again, is that going to happen?

If the Patriots don’t intend on giving Jackson a contract, they should try to trade him to the highest bidder. No team has been willing to part with a second-round pick to sign him to an offer sheet at this point, so would the Patriots have to take less than that to get him?

For his production, it’s actually a bit surprising that no team has tried to sign Jackson to an offer sheet at this point. That could change during the draft, even if the smart money is on him remaining with the Patriots.