Chargers Add Former Patriots WR JaQuae Jackson
A standout from last year’s New England Patriots preseason is getting another shot with an AFC team in 2025. 
FOXBORO, MA — JaQuae Jackson, a breakout player from the Patriots’ 2024 preseason, has landed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The team announced the signing of the wide receiver to a free-agent contract on Friday. Jackson originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons, only to be released in a move that saw the Falcons sign former Patriots draft pick Andrew Stueber.
On June 6, 2024, the Patriots signed Jackson, and he quickly became involved in their offense during training camp. His performance carried over into preseason games, where he caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton III against the Carolina Panthers. However, his time in New England ended abruptly the following week. Jackson suffered a torn ACL in a non-contact injury against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to his placement on injured reserve. He immediately grabbed his knee, and the team ruled him out for the rest of the game.
“Obviously, it was a scary situation on the field,” then-head coach Jerod Mayo said after the game. “The X-rays came back negative, and he’ll undergo an MRI in the morning.”
Jackson re-signed with New England in February under an exclusive rights free agent contract at the league minimum but was released two months later after the draft. He had been a free agent ever since. Now, the 25-year-old receiver will join former Patriots players—quarterback Taylor Heinicke (2017) and wide receiver Jalen Reagor (2023-24)—on the Chargers’ roster.
“I want to be the best. I’m willing to put the work in. I’ve put in endless hours of work. I love the game,” Jackson said in an interview with The Draft Network in April 2024. “I’m going to absorb knowledge to be the best I can be. I’ve beaten adversity my entire life. I’ve never taken no for an answer. Every team should want a guy like that.”
As for the Patriots, their wide receiver room remains up in the air. Veterans Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas have shown promise this summer, but the lower part of the depth chart is uncertain, with players like former second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk, free agent Mack Hollins, and undrafted rookie Efton Chism III still competing for spots.
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