Jonathan Jones is about to experience significant change.
Jones is scheduled to hit the open market when free agency opens on March 10, marking just the second time in his career in which he’ll be allowed to negotiate with multiple teams. The Patriots were able to keep him around back in 2023, but with so many needs to fill this time around, there’s a question as to whether he fits the timeline.
New England is undergoing its second coaching transition in two years, so at the very least, the veteran cornerback knows change will happen either way.
It’s something he’s open to, specifically as it pertains to his longtime team.
“I’m open to change, but New England is still going to be New England — the expectations don’t change,” Jones told NESN.com on Saturday. “I don’t care who’s the coach here, winning will always be the expectation. I think (Mike Vrabel) and his staff are going to do a good job of coming in, getting their systems in place and hopefully getting back to winning.”
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Jones has already gotten familiar with his new head coach, approaching the offseason as he normally does despite such a monumental few weeks ahead.
“I was in the facility a few weeks ago — ran into Vrabes,” Jones said. “We sat down and just talked more about life than football, right? You know, just sharing stories about his kids and where they’re at in life, me and mine. It was just good to be in the facility, but I haven’t really talked to anybody else. Free agency is coming up, so it’ll be fun.”
The Patriots almost certainly would like to bring back their most versatile defensive back, but opportunity and compensation will play a big part in making that happen. Jones knows that, and despite continuing to plant roots in the region, is open to change no matter where it comes.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
