NFL insider tabs this Patriots veteran as a possible trade chip

It might be a long season for the 2024 Patriots. 

New England is likely staring at a multi-year rebuild, with Thursday’s loss to the Jets further validating that this roster as currently constituted might be a ways away from contending.

Another lackluster season for New England could accelerate said rebuild if the team lands yet another top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But Eliot Wolf and the rest of New England’s front-office personnel could also boost their draft haul next spring by dealing players ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Much like the Patriots gaining a top-100 selection by dealing Matthew Judon in August, New England could add another useful draft pick by trading other established NFLers who may not be on the same timeline as the team’s extensive rebuild. 

ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano put together an extensive preview of the NFL trade deadline on Friday, which included a list of the top trade chips expected to be dangled on the market in the coming weeks.

Sure enough, Graziano tabbed Patriots veteran corner Jonathan Jones as a potential trade piece which New England could move on from for the right price.

“The Patriots have looked a bit more competitive than expected so far, but they certainly could fade,” Graziano wrote Friday. “And if so, Jones is a player teams were circling in the offseason. Those seeking a cornerback could kick the tires once again, as Jones has 11 tackles this season and is only two years removed from a four-interception season.”

Jones, 31, is one of the leaders on New England’s defense — having won two Super Bowls with the Patriots in 2016 and 2018. A dependable slot corner during most of his career with the Patriots, Jones has held his own in the last few seasons once getting shifted to the outside. 

Even though Christian Gonzalez stands atop New England’s corner depth chart, Jones is a reliable No. 2 option to pair with the promising second-year pro. But given Jones’ age and his current contract status (expiring deal at end of 2024 season), New England might want to gain some value by moving Jones to a team who could offer him a chance to win now. 

After New England dealt Judon to the Falcons, Graziano added that Jones could also be a potential fit in Atlanta — especially in a secondary grouping short on proven playmakers. 

“A.J. Terrell is a star, but the Falcons could still stand to upgrade the spot opposite him,” Graziano said of how Jones could help the Falcons.  “Atlanta is 19th in interception rate (1.9% of opponent dropbacks). The Chiefs, Ravens and Steelers would all love to add Jones, too.”

Jones might offer plenty of value to a young Patriots roster in 2024 and beyond — especially given his link to several championship teams of yesteryear. But if Wolf and Co. are intent on building a new core of top talent, moving some veterans like Jones might be a necessary concession.