Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones, one of the few remaining Patriots with a Super Bowl ring, is headed to the open market, according to a source.
The news isn’t a surprise. Jones is 31 with his best years behind him.
However, the option for him to return to [the Patriots](https://Here’s who New England Patriots should target in free agency "https://Here’s who New England Patriots should target in free agency") remains open.
Jones, the team’s most notable free agent, has been a valuable asset, able to play inside or outside corner. He’s also moonlighted at safety.
That versatility could be valuable to Mike Vrabel, as he retools the defense.
Jones expressed the hope to remain in New England prior to the season ending.
“I would love to (stay in New England),” Jones said. “It’s rare for a guy to be in one place his entire career. Especially after being undrafted, being here my entire career, I feel indebted to be here.
“Love the fanbase, love the team. And so, it’d be awesome to be a guy who goes his entire career in the same place.”
Jones will see what he can get from another team, cognizant of the fact he would likely have to take a pay cut to remain with the Patriots.
The Patriots have Christian Gonzalez, Alex Austin, who signed his restricted free agent tender, Marcellus Dial and Isaiah Bolden still under contract.
If the Patriots were to add, there’s a good free agent class tha tincludes D.J. Reed, Charvarious Ward, and Carlton Davis III.
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