The New England Patriots didn’t risk free agent cornerback Jonathan Jones going on the open market on Wednesday. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are expected to re-sign Jones to a two-year deal to keep their cornerback room intact.
It’s a key move for the team in bringing back their top corner from the 2022 season. Jones, who made a name for himself in the slot, stepped out of his comfort zone by matching up outside against some of the best receivers in the game last season.
The Patriots could still make a move at cornerback, or they could leave things as is and focus on other areas of need, such as offensive tackle, wide receiver and safety.
There’s no immediate urgency to go out and make a big-ticket cornerback signing, especially with rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones already on the roster. The Patriots also still have veteran defensive back Jalen Mills, who could travel to free safety with Devin McCourty retiring from the team.
Per Rapoport, the deal is for two years and $20 million, with at least $13 million guaranteed. It’s a nice bump for a veteran defensive playmaker that never felt like he really wanted to leave the Patriots.
It's 2-years, $20M with $13M guaranteed. https://t.co/LCCSWbSOt9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Jonathan Jones worked his way up from an undrafted rookie to a key defensive starter for a Patriots team that needs all of the help it can get in a rapidly improving AFC East division.
