The New England Patriots are likely to trade cornerback Jonathan Jones as their season seems all but over. Jones, an undrafted free agent in 2016, has become a vital part of the Patriots’ defense, playing primarily in the slot but also showing the versatility to play outside cornerback. Having spent nine seasons in New England, he remains one of the few key players from the Patriots’ dynasty era. Despite the team’s struggles this season, Jones has continued to perform well, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.5, placing him among the top half of eligible cornerbacks in the NFL.
Given that the Patriots appear headed toward a rebuild, Jones could be a valuable trade asset for contending teams, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs, currently the league’s last undefeated team, are facing issues in their secondary, especially after losing starting cornerback Jaylen Watson to injury. Adding Jones to their roster could help bolster their defensive backfield, even though he primarily plays the same slot corner position as Trent McDuffie. However, both players are versatile enough to adapt and find playing time under a strong defensive coordinator like Steve Spagnuolo.
Meanwhile, the Chargers, currently sitting at 3-3, also have defensive needs, especially after injuries have affected their secondary. With players like Asante Samuel Jr. on injured reserve, Los Angeles could benefit from bringing in Jones to solidify their defense. Though they face stiff competition in the AFC West, adding a reliable cornerback like Jones could enhance their chances of securing a playoff spot, particularly as they face elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
In short, trading Jones could benefit both the Patriots, who are looking toward a rebuild, and playoff contenders like the Chiefs and Chargers who need to strengthen their defenses.
