The New England Patriots are placing a second-round tender on cornerback Jonathan Jones, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Jones, a restricted free agent, is set to earn $3.09 million in 2019.
During his restricted free agency, which spans until April 19, Jones can take offers from teams. If he finds one desirable, he can sign the offer and give the Patriots the opportunity to match. If New England matches, they retain Jones under the contract proposed by the other interested team. In the event the Patriots choose not to match, Jones will join the interested team, which will give the Patriots a second-round pick in return.
Jones joined New England as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2016. He earned a role on special teams in his rookie season while getting some time at slot cornerback. He has retained his place as a fixture on special teams, but has earned more time on defense, taking on assignments like Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the AFC championship game last season.
It will be interesting to see whether the potential return of Jones influences the development of 2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson. Jones’ return may also play into the equation as the team evaluates whether they will re-sign cornerback Jason McCourty, who is an unrestricted free agent.
In the meantime, Jones could join the cornerback group, which includes Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson and Keion Crossen.
