The New England Patriots have the opportunity to make a splash in free agency. Alec Pierce and Wan'Dale Robinson have been linked to New England, while Trey Hendrickson has been the top defender linked to the team. Trades involving stars like A.J. Brown and Maxx Crosby being sent to New England have also been written about as of late.
Among the more under-the-radar moves the team could make is a reunion with a fan favorite defensive back. The Patriots haven't been shy about bringing players back after they spent time with other squads.
Brian Hoyer and Jamie Collins each had three separate stints with the team, while players like LeGarrette Blount, Trey Flowers, Kyle Van Noy, and Patrick Chung all left the team and returned.
The Patriots need help in the defensive backfield. It appears Alex Austin will look to join another squad as he thanked the Patriots on his socials, and Jaylinn Hawkins is a free agent. Even if Hawkins returns, depth at both cornerback and safety is a must.
The Patriots struggled to find consistency at cornerback beyond their first three, and while they seem to like Charles Woods, he isn't ready to be the team's dime back.
A Jonathan Jones reunion could be exactly what the Patriots need
A staple of the Patriots over the last decade, Jonathan Jones signed with the Commanders last offseason after nine years with the team. His 484 defensive snaps were his lowest total since 2021, when he was placed on season-ending IR in October.
Now 32, Jones isn't the star slot cornerback he was during his heyday in New England, but that doesn't mean he couldn't be a key contributor should the team bring him back in 2026.
Before 2025, Jones' last four seasons featured a missed tackle rate of less than 7%, an incredible metric for a cornerback. While that rose to a still more than respectable 11.9% this season, he also allowed a completion rate of just 58.5% (24/41) and no touchdowns.
Marcus Jones has the slot covered and isn't all that likely to come off the field, but Jones has played the majority of his snaps on the outside each season since 2022. His physicality and athleticism, even for his age, allow him to compete against bigger wideouts despite his stature. When playing on the inside, his tackling is as sure as anyone's.
During his final season in New England, he began to play some safety as well.
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis are the team's starting outside cornerbacks, and Marcus Jones is the clear-cut nickel back. Beyond that, though, the water gets murky. Charles Woods and Kobee Minor are young, but they had very minimal roles last season.
Marcellas Dial spent the entire year on IR after tearing his ACL, but has only been a special teams contributor in his young career. Brandon Crossley was signed to a futures contract after spending the preseason with the team.
I'd expect the draft to be a time the Patriots look to shore up the position for the future, but for the sake of immediate depth and experience, Jones could be exactly what the team needs. A known leader, even if New England were to select a cornerback in the draft that surpasses him in the depth chart, having him in the building would be beneficial for young players.
As mentioned, he spent some time at safety in 2024, so perhaps moving back could be in the cards? Bringing back Jonathan Jones would be one of the more savvy moves the Patriots could make.