The New England Patriots are a 2025 NFL phenomenon. From the bottom of the AFC East, they've risen from the ashes like a phoenix to the top of the AFC. It all starts with Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye, but they've had a lot of help. One is punt returner Marcus Jones, who now possesses the highest punt return average in NFL history. And that's not even half his story.
Jones is also a top slot cornerback, and though he stands only 5'8" tall, he plays much bigger. He's one of the Patriots' top three cornerbacks. Yet, as a punt returner, he exhibits amazing explosiveness. He can take a punt to the house on any given play. And when he does, it's a game-changer.
He entered the NFL in 2022 as a third-round pick, and his career has taken an upward climb ever since. Jones has established himself as the Patriots' top slot corner, yet his contributions, both now and potentially, are far greater.
Marcus Jones has proven to be far more valuable to the Patriots than anyone could have imagined
In his 4-year career, Jones has returned three punts for touchdowns. The longest was for 94 yards. This season, he has two punt returns for touchdowns, and his yards per return are a staggering 18.8 yards. And he's now he's setting records as the NFL's best ever.
From ESPN Research: Marcus Jones' 3rd career punt return TD.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 2, 2025
He now has 75 career punt returns, which qualifies him for the official NFL record book. His career punt return average was 13.6 entering this game, which was already the highest average in NFL history.
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Jones' value to the Patriots team is incalculable. Seven points from nowhere is always an unexpected tactical advantage. Yet, in 2025, his contributions at cornerback have also been solid.
In 13 games in 2025, he's had 50 tackles, an interception, six tackles for loss, and 11 passes defended.
Marcus Jones has even more to offer to the Patriots' winning ways
While he's not at Pro Bowl level, Marcus Jones is a solid slot cornerback. He was tabbed by Pro Football Focus as a breakout player for 2025, and received a contract extension earlier this year as an indication of how highly the Patriots value him.
Jones' contributions as a punt returner, having eclipsed those of his prodigious predecessors, Mike Haynes and Julian Edelman, are tremendously impressive in their own right. Additionally, his solid presence on defense as a talented slot cornerback also delivers for the Patriots. Yet, there is even more he can achieve.
Jones is an unused potential offensive force for the Patriots. As seen in his punt returns, his explosiveness and ability to find seams and explode through them are unprecedented in Patriots' history. Yet, this young talent can also contribute on offense at times if his coach, Mike Vrabel, and coordinator, Josh McDaniels, have the perspicacity to utilize him.
Jones's few plays when he has been used on offense have been electric. He's had only four career pass targets. All we're completions, three for first downs and one for a touchdown. It's a tiny sample size, but it's indicative that the Patriots could unleash him on offense as a secret weapon.
Yet, wherever he plays, Jones is an important cog in the Patriots' run to the 2025 playoffs.