New England Patriots training camp: 4 returning veterans in danger of getting cut
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chris Jones
Currently on the PUP list, Jones was not in attendance at the first day of Patriots training camp, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed.
The drafting of Dominique Easley last year didn’t bode well for Jones, but he managed to retain his roster spot and record three sacks. The drafting of Malcom Brown this spring, however, could spell the end of Jones’ time in New England.
Also working against Jones is the presence of proven veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga on the depth chart, both of whom are slated to start ahead of Jones right now. While he should have the edge over Antonio Johnson and undrafted rookie Vince Taylor, it will be tough for Jones to survive Patriots training camp.
Jones has been a solid member of the Patriots for two seasons now. He is best known for his deciding role in not just one Jets-Patriots game, but two in the past two seasons (blocked field goal for the win this past October and costly penalty in October of 2013).
If he gets cut, we’ll miss the Bowling Green product. But it’s time to make room for Brown and Easley, who represent the future of the Patriots’ interior defensive line.