Looking at the list of pending free agents from the Patriots roster this offseason, there aren't many that stand out as ones the new regime should immediately re-sign. Most are unproven talents or were emergency signings during the 2024 season. However, a couple of names will attract a fan's eye, one of whom is cornerback Jonathan Jones, as he has been a mainstay on the Patriots roster since they signed him in 2016.
Since then, he has been one part of a generally impressive secondary group, working with some of the best cornerbacks the team has had over the years, like Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson. Jones has become a leader in that room since they departed and has been a solid number two alongside Christian Gonzalez over the past two seasons.
He is now set to enter free agency this offseason with an uncertain future with Mike Vrabel and Co. now calling the shots. Because cornerback is a position of need for the team, it will certainly be highlighted in free agency and the draft, which might make it more difficult for Jones to be re-signed.
But he's making it clear he wants to stay on the team he's spent his entire career with, and despite an off year in 2024, like most of the roster, keeping Jones around would be a wise decision.
Jonathan Jones wants to remain on the Patriots until he chooses to retire
During a recent appearance on NBC Sports Boston's "Next Pats Podcast," Jones spoke about his upcoming free agency and desire to stay in New England.
He's made that clear this offseason, speaking highly of the kind of team Mike Vrabel will inevitably create, and continues to plead his case for a new contract as free agency nears.
#Patriots CB Jonathon Jones on if he wants to return:
— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) February 11, 2025
"One goal of mine is to be in one place for my entire career, but more importantly just get back to winning football. And I think Vrabes can being that culture back to New England."
(🎥: @NBCSBoston) pic.twitter.com/hIAc1OFONL
While his 2024 performance might not be worth remembering, Jones has taken on a leadership role in recent years that cannot be easily replaced in the locker room or on the field. It's even more important given who he's helping to mentor, like Gonzalez, who is already performing like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
A dramatic roster makeover is certainly needed, even on defense, but maintaining some veteran leadership and experience makes it much easier to navigate and succeed. That's something that Jones would bring, and it's hard to argue against him sticking around.
There are arguments to be made against retaining him, especially since he's 31 years old and maybe didn't play his best football last season. That doesn't help his case to stick around for another year or two, even more so with a new coaching staff. However, Jones was one of the few players who never seemed to look like he gave up before the year was over, which says a lot, considering how poorly his teammates performed throughout the season.
How Vrabel will approach the situation with Jones, or even other notable free agents like CB Alex Austin, TE Austin Hooper, and DE Deatrich Wise Jr., will be fascinating to watch next month, as the Patriots have a projected $120 million in cap space to utilize. His plans might not include older players, so guys like Jones will be out. But keeping them around needs to be seriously considered.