Chargers Secondary Duo Open Up About J.C. Jackson Transition
The Los Angeles Chargers and their former star player, J.C. Jackson, were supposed to do some grand things together. Adding the former All-Pro corner was supposed to bring new life to the defense and take them to another level.
However, after 19 months, seven games, and off-the-field drama, he is no longer in Southern California and is now back to where he made a name for himself in New England.
It was never a right fit for the star, and players like Derwin James must've known it deep inside. The star safety spoke about the trade in public for the first time and said it was unfortunate nothing ever materialized like it was supposed to.
“We wanted it to work,” said safety Derwin James Jr., who first started recruiting Jackson to Los Angeles at the 2022 Pro Bowl. “But it just didn’t happen.”
James' right-hand man in the secondary, Alohi Gilman, also gave his thoughts on the departure of Jackson.
“He went through some tough stuff, man,” safety Alohi Gilman said. “Injuries and some personal stuff, and in the NFL that’s hard to do. So we were there with him, and we’re (still) with him in all of that. I wish him the best.”
The Bolts signed Jackson to a major deal in the 2022 offseason for five years worth $82,5 million. He deserved every penny after his spectacular performance in 2021, but he could never match even half of that in his time in Los Angeles.
It's unfortunate he was never able to reach his 2021 level with LA's stellar talent on defense. The Bolts realized it was time to move on, and the front office did so. Better late than never, but you still have to wonder 'what if' with the Bolts and Jackson.
