The New England Patriots added Kevin Byard to their defense in free agency, and he likes what he has seen from Marcus Jones so far.
Jones was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was an All-Pro as a punt returner as a rookie, but he has grown into a vital part of the Patriots' secondary. He signed a three-year extension last year and was a key part of the Patriots' run to the Super Bowl. The secondary was already good, but Byard's arrival figures to make it even better.
Byard is a three-time All-Pro and was an All-Pro just last season. He led the league in interceptions, but perhaps his experience and leadership are the most important things he brings. He has played in 164 games in his 10-year career, but he is not letting his experience get in the way of the leadership the Patriots already have. Byard spoke highly of Jones as a leader, noting that he does not need to go out of his way to lead because of Jones.
“Especially for a team that was just literally in the Super Bowl,” Byard said on Tuesday, per MassLive's Chris Mason. “I’m coming in bringing my uniqueness, but at the same time just continue to earn these guys’ trust.
“These guys have a great leadership group already. I mean, especially in our (defensive back) room with Marcus Jones. He’s a phenomenal worker. I’ve been very impressed with him and just his work ethic and the things he’s done. I think he was a captain last year and I see why. So I’m coming in just being myself and that’s really it.”
Byard, Jones, Carlton Davis, Craig Woodson and Christian Gonzalez make up one of the best secondaries in the league. Expectations are high in New England this year and the secondary figures to be a huge part of their success.
More NFL: Patriots Declined Multiple A.J. Brown Trade Packages, Months Of Negotiations