Raiders: 3 Patriots players Josh McDaniels can poach

Will the Patriots pay defensive back J.C. Jackson top dollar on a new contract?

The biggest name of note hitting free agency on the New England side of things has to be cornerback J.C. Jackson. The former undrafted player out of Maryland earned his first Pro Bowl nod in a contract year. He started all 17 games for the Patriots last year, recording eight interceptions and a jaw-dropping 23 passes defended. This helped him earn a Second-Team All-Pro nod, too.

While Jackson is getting paid one way or another, whether that be on the franchise tag, a long-term contract by the Patriots or by another team, the ball is entirely in Belichick’s court. Is Jackson the next star defensive back in New England or will that be someone else Belichick puts in a position to succeed? Though McDaniels is an offensive-minded coach, Jackson helps the Raiders.

Las Vegas has a strong pass rush. While the secondary needs work, they made a savvy hire by prying Patrick Graham away from the New York Giants to be the defensive coordinator. Graham replaces Gus Bradley after his one-year run. Graham feels like a future NFL head coach. If he can get the most out of Jackson on a second contract, the McDaniels coaching tree sprouts a branch.

A few Patriots defenders may come to Las Vegas, but Jackson is the best player worth pursuing.