Both players will report to their respective teams in the coming weeks.
In a move meant to assure both players who accrue enough time played this season to become free agents after the season, the NFL Players Association has told both players to report to their teams.
Jackson must report to the Chargers by October 31 and Mankins must report to the Patriots by November 16. Jackson’s date is earlier because the Chargers placed him on the roster exempt list meaning he must miss three weeks before being eligible to play.
NFL players must play, or be eligible to play, at least 6 games in a season for that season to count towards free agency.
