The New England Patriots are entering a new era in 2025, as new head coach Mike Vrabel has replaced Jerod Mayo, and Vrabel brought front office executive Ryan Cowden with him to work alongside Eliot Wolf throughout the offseason. In the coming months, New England will have many decisions to make, including what to do with the several players that are expected to hit the market when free agency opens in March.
While most of those players will probably find new homes, there will likely be a few that stick around, and this week, MassLive’s Chis Mason predicted that cornerback Jonathan Jones will be one of those pending free agents to return to the Patriots.
“One of the final players remaining from the dynasty era, Jones isn’t as fleet-footed as he once was, but his versatility still brings value to a secondary,” Mason wrote. “The veteran can play the boundary, slot, and even moonlight at safety if necessary.”
“Jones already has $45 million in career earnings and turns 32 in September. It’s unlikely he wants to uproot at stage of his career and he can still play, so a one-year deal makes sense for all parties.”
Jones signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Auburn and has worked his way from special teams contributor to one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league.
Helping the Patriots win two Super Bowls, Jones has recorded 378 tackles, 51 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and two fumbles recovered in his 132 games played over nine years.
While Jones is getting older and is slowing down, New England would be wise to retain him on a short-term, inexpensive deal. They may not be able to afford to lose a leader and experienced veteran who knows what it takes to win.
