Chargers News: J.C. Jackson Reunion with Former Team Puts Him in a Unique List

J.C. Jackson is not the first to return to the Patriots

The Chargers made a shocking decision Wednesday when they traded cornerback J.C. Jackson to his former team, the New England Patriots. 

The move came just seven games into Jackson's tenure with the Bolts. Heading into the 2022 season, the Chargers signed him to a five-year, $82 million contract. 

Now, just over a year later, he returns to where his career started. 

However, this isn't the first time a Patriots player has left the team for money to return. 

JC Jackson becomes the latest player to leave the #Patriots for a massive contract, only to eventually come back:

- JC Jackson: Chargers
- Jamie Collins: Browns AND Lions
- Trent Brown: Raiders
- Kyle Van Noy: Dolphins
- Trey Flowers: Lions

It's wash, rinse, repeat. And I'm… pic.twitter.com/HBBbx1orDQ

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 4, 2023

Four other big-name players have left the Patriots for money just to come right back. 

The most notable is Jamie Collins. He pulled this move off twice in his career.

With the Browns, Collins signed a four-year, $50 million contract. He was right back with the Patriots only two seasons later. 

Collins pulled the move off once again with the Lions when he signed a three-year, $30 million contract. That deal only lasted a year and a half, as the linebacker returned to the Patriots. Collins has recorded eight sacks in his two returns back to the Patriots.

Every player on the list has had a successful career with the Patriots before leaving the team. Jackson led the league in interceptions the year before he left and made second-team All-Pro in 2021. 

When these players returned to New England, they continued to have success.

Only time will tell if Jackson can return to the form NFL fans saw him in in his first years in the league.