The New England Patriots want to give a young wideout a second chance.
The Patriots on Wednesday re-signed exclusive rights free agent JaQuae Jackson, who made some noise in training camp and the preseason last year before suffering a season-ending injury. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo was the first to report the news, which Jackson confirmed by posting a picture of himself on Instagram signing his contract.
Jackson, who signed with the Patriots last June as an undrafted free agent, made a good impression early on as he battled for a roster spot. He caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton III in New England’s preseason opener but then suffered a non-contact leg injury in New England’s second exhibition contest.
That ended Jackson’s campaign before it could really get started as the Patriots placed him on injured reserve instead of working out an injury settlement.
The Patriots’ new regime headed by Mike Vrabel obviously see potential in Jackson or they wouldn’t have brought him back. According to MassLive’s Chris Mason, the Patriots only had to give Jackson a qualifying offer at the league minimum since he was an exclusive rights free agent.
Jackson joins a Patriots receiver room that also has Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Ja’Lynn Polk and John Jiles under contract for next season.