The Player: Jonathan Jones
New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones has been an unheralded key piece of his team's success dating all the way back to 2016. Jones has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots as a versatile corner and nickel back, logging 11 interceptions and breaking up 44 passes. He was still productive at 29 years old in 2022: he nabbed a career-high four interceptions and allowed a respectable 73.0 passer rating on throws in his direction last season.
The Fit:
Jones is a slightly undersized but exceptionally fast defensive back (4.33 40-yard dash) with a championship pedigree and veteran savvy. He has only earned 43 starts over his NFL career, but he has generally been healthy, excluding the 2021 season in which he missed 11 games. He would be a good fit on a team needing leadership and experience in the secondary. If his usage on the Patriots is any indication, he may not be suited to an every-down role on the outside.
The Cost:
Jones is finishing up a three-year, $21 million deal and has probably earned a pay bump after a career year. He's young enough to earn a multi-year deal, and he should probably expect a contract somewhere in the range of Kenny Moore's four-year, $33 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts and Darious Williams' three-year, $30 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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