When news broke last week that Patriots second-year cornerback Jack Jones had been arrested, it was unfortunate for many reasons.
Other than the fact it was disappointing to hear, especially after the potential Jones showed last season, it also brought his future into question.
The charges are serious, and he is due back in court in mid-August, but the Patriots are not a team that usually rides these situations out, no matter who the player is. This feels like one of those instances where Jones' position with the Patriots may be cut short sooner than later.
However, whether or not they will indeed move on from him is unclear at this point. The organization released a statement after the initial story broke and hasn't said anything further since.
So if they decide to release Jones, there are a few remaining free agent cornerbacks they could consider adding to their roster. The secondary isn't really a unit that needs much more help at the moment, but adding a trusted and experienced veteran wouldn't hurt.
Marcus Peters
2022 stats with the Baltimore Ravens
- 13 games
- 47 combined tackles
- 1 sack
- 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries
- 1 interception returned for 8 yards
- 6 passes defended
Of the cornerbacks still unsigned, Marcus Peters is likely the universal pick as the premier talent any team should pursue if they need to add a scrappy veteran to their defense.
Considering his proven talent during his eight-year career, it's a bit surprising to see a team still hasn't signed him, which may create an opportunity for the Patriots if they want to add some depth to the cornerbacks.
The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons with the Ravens, where he's unfortunately dealt with the injury bug, missing four games last year and didn't play at all the season before due to a torn ACL.
However, Peters is still an opposing offense's nightmare when he can stay on the field. His last entire season was in 2019, when he played for both the Rams and the Ravens, having an impressive year despite the move out east.
In 16 games, he totaled five interceptions returned for 210 yards and three touchdowns, 53 combined tackles, 14 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. That may now be four years ago, and his injury history could be a concern, but at least considering the possibility of adding a one-time dominating threat in the secondary wouldn't be a bad idea.
Imagine him lining up opposite Jonathan Jones or Christian Gonzalez. That sounds potentially lethal.
Eli Apple
2022 stats with the Cincinnati Bengals
- 15 games
- 49 combined tackles
- 1 tackle for a loss
- 8 passes defended
If Bill Belichick wanted to bring in a younger free agent instead, Eli Apple wouldn't be a bad choice.
Apple has spent the last two seasons with the Bengals and completed one of the best seasons of his career in 2021, the season Cincinnati went to the Super Bowl.
In that season, Apple totaled 49 combined tackles, two tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery, two interceptions returned for 50 yards, and ten passes defended.
Maybe we shouldn't look in the rearview mirror too far when considering players to sign, but it's important to get a full context of what a player can contribute to a team, especially when that team is performing at a high level.
Although he's been in the league for only eight years, he has already played for four teams, which is never a positive when considering signing a free agent at just 27 years old.
However, his experience around the league, combined with his postseason appearances and starting-caliber abilities, he's not a name that should be completely ruled out of contention.
Fabian Moreau
2022 stats with the New York Giants
- 14 games
- 66 combined tackles
- 10 passes defended
Another well-traveled cornerback with just six years of NFL experience, Fabian Moreau was a solid player for the New York Giants last season.
Because of several injuries to players listed higher on the depth chart, Moreau was given the opportunity to be on the field much more than initially anticipated, as he was a late practice squad addition who was elevated to the 53-man roster in late September.
He swiftly became a reliable piece of the secondary, becoming the second-leading tackler for the team at the end of the year. But more impressively, he only missed three tackles in 14 regular season games and created some highlight reel moments, like against the Jacksonville Jaguars by preventing a game-sealing touchdown in the final seconds of the game.
Although he isn't a well-known name at this point in his career, his impressive performance given the circumstances last year make him an intriguing option for the Patriots to consider.
Logan Ryan
2022 stats with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 9 games
- 37 combined tackles
- 1 tackle for a loss
- 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery
- 1 interception
- 3 passes defended
Who doesn't love a good reunion?
Former Patriot Logan Ryan has gone on to spend some time with four teams since departing New England in 2017 but has remained a consistent contributor no matter where he was.
Now that his time with the Bucs appears over, it's possible that two time Super Bowl champion could finally come back to where it all started. Not to mention, Ryan has expressed his appreciation for Belichick as recently as last month during an appearance on Good Morning Football, potentially opening the door for his return to the team.
After he left in free agency to sign with the Titans, Ryan spent the next three seasons gaining more experience playing all over the secondary. He continued that when he left Tennessee and joined the Giants, playing as a safety during his two seasons there.
Knowing how much Belichick appreciates a versatile player, his continued effort to improve and gain experience all over the secondary won't go unnoticed by his former head coach. It could even become a primary reason Belichick expresses any interest in bringing Ryan back.
At 32 years old, however, his age may be a deterrent when looking for someone to replace Jack Jones. But if trusted experience and familiarity are aspects that Belichick values, Ryan could become a leading contender to be signed this summer.