The Patriots added to their already deep cornerback corps Sunday by getting Michael Jackson from the Lions.
New England will send an undescribed selection in the 2022 draft to Detroit. The value of the choice will likely be on a shifting scale, depending on how Jackson performs. The club did not have to make a corresponding roster move, as there are several open slots after eight players left for the 2020 season.
The Patriots and Lions, whose general manager has been New England employee Bob Quinn for years, have often become trading partners. Most recently, Bill Belichick sent safety Duron Harmon to Detroit throughout the season. The teams also exchange late round picks in the transaction.
The Patriots are led in the position by reigning defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore. The depth chart also includes Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, JC Jackson, Joejuan Williams, D’Angelo Ross, and Myles Bryant.
A Miami product, the 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound Jackson was a fifth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2019. He spent the beginning of his rookie season on Dallas’ practice team before Detroit signed him on his active roster. He played last season in one game and did not collect statistics.
