One of the best ballhawks in football is staying put, at least for now.
Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson signed his second-round tender, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. While no other team signed Jackson to an offer sheet, a team can still trade for him by offering lower draft picks, Rapoport noted.
Jackson registered nine interceptions last year, second only to the Dolphins' Xavien Howard and three more than the next-closest player. Jackson has done nothing but produce since making the Pats as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He has 17 interceptions and 30 passes defensed, despite starting just 22 of 45 games he's played in.
The Patriots have since announced the signing of Jackson, as well as the release of offensive lineman Dustin Woodard.
Elsewhere around the NFL on Friday:
- The Cleveland Browns have released defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, the team announced. Rapoport notes that Richardson was due more than $12 million this year and the Browns' latest signing of Jadeveon Clowney essentially replaces his salary.
- The New York Giants are hosting former Patriots defensive back Jason McCourty and both sides are exploring a possible move in the future, a source tells Rapoport. The Giants secondary currently has a Rutgers alum in Logan Ryan and a Titans alum in Adoree' Jackson, and McCourty, 33, could add to both of those totals, Rapoport adds.
- The Chicago Bears have signed veteran receiver Marquise Goodwin to a one-year contract. Goodwin, 30, was released by the 49ers last month after the trade that sent him to the Eagles prior to last season reverted. The former Bills and 49ers WR opted out of the 2020 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hasn't given up on the idea of playing in the NFL again, Rapoport reported. He last played for Washington in 2019. DRC, who's been linked to a coaching job at his alma mater Tennessee State, has workouts scheduled post-draft and would only coach if a playing opportunity doesn't present itself, Rapoport added.
- Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell, the draft's consensus top offensive tackle, has also been training at right tackle to prepare for the possibility that someone with an entrenched blindside protector drafts him and puts him on the right side this year, Rapoport reported.
- The Washington Football Team waived cornerback DeMarkus Acy, the team announced.
- The Houston Texans signed offensive lineman Lane Taylor and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker.
