New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones
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New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones has been rewarded for his play with a new contract extension.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a New England Patriots player who has more consistently proved their value over the last few years than Marcus Jones.
The organization just rewarded that consistency in the form of a new contract extension.
The Patriots and Jones agreed to a new three-year contract extension, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported on Oct. 28. The financial terms of the deal weren’t reported. Jones was in the final season of his rookie contract.
Marcus Jones Is One of Patriots’ Most Valuable Players
New England drafted Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and the utilityman has done a little bit of everything since entering the league.
Jones’ value is still most evident on defense as a slot cornerback. He’s played 76% of the snaps on defense this season, with opposing quarterbacks completing just over 60% of the passes intended his way. Jones already has two interceptions, equaling a career high he set in his rookie season, and his nine passes defended are already one of his best through just seven games. He’s also valuable in stopping the run game, as CLNS Sports’ Taylor Kyles pointed out: Jones is fourth among cornerbacks in run stops this season.
The 27-year-old also has already recorded his first career sack this season for good measure.
He remains a dynamic game-changer in the kicking game. Jones is one of the best punt returners in the league, having already earned All-Pro honors in his rookie season. Jones leads the NFL this season with an average of 21.6 yards per return and already has a punt return touchdown.
The Patriots have even used Jones on offense in the past, primarily in his rookie season when he caught four passes for 78 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown. He became the first player in 75 years to score in all three phases in the same season.
Patriots Put Trust in Marcus Jones With Leadership Position
It’s telling that Jones survived the initial purge after the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel. The new regime clearly wanted to rearrange the furniture after consecutive four-win seasons, and a handful of incumbent veterans were sent packing. Jones was spared and obviously has been rewarded since.
New England didn’t just prove that by keeping him around and extending him. Jones is a first-time defensive captain, more proof of his impact, particularly in the locker room for a young team on the ascent.