Jonathan Jones wants to stay in New England while Zadarius Smith apparently wants out of Minnesota before NFL free agency.
With the NFL free agency period starting next week, many NFL rumors are circulating around the football world involving trades, releases, signings, and re-signings.
Some players want to stay with their team while others want to leave.
Specifically, Vikings’ Zadarius Smith and Jonathan Jones of the Patriots fall on both sides of the coin there.
NFL rumours: Jonathan Jones wants to stay with the Patriots and Zadarius Smith wants to be released from the Vikings
New England Patriots linebacker Jonathan Jones has expressed his desire to stay with New England. At a Big Sister Boston event, Jones recently talked about that although he would like to re-sign with New England, he understands that anything can happen.
“That’s the desire to come back here. That’s what I know, that’s what I love, it’s New England. It’s hard to say no to New England.”
“Being here is where I’ve spent a lot of my life as an adult. It’s been part of my journey and I love it. The Patriots have been a huge part of my life. My development, from a guy who came here when I was 22, just growing up… so I love To still be around. I love New England. He holds a special place in my heart.”
Jones joined the Patriots in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and has since become one of the best nickel corners in the league. Last season, he played more outside than in the hole and excelled. Jones recorded 69 combined tackles (56 solo and 13 assisted) and four interceptions, a career high for most interceptions in a season.
Jones’ gambling expertise, and his most recent outside experience, should help the market next week and earn him a wage the way he did.
While Jones wants to stay with his team, the same can’t be said of the Vikings snob Zadarius Smith.
Despite signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, a recent tweet by Smith suggests he wants out. NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport indicated that the Vikings had no intention of trading or releasing Smith, despite his desire to release him.
In his only season with the Vikings Smith recorded 44 combined tackles (32 solo and 12 tackle assist), 10 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Smith was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, as he had 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. In Week 8, he also had seven tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and a pass breakup which earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Prior to signing with the Vikings, Smith had previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers and is now looking for his fourth home in the NFL. Although the Vikings currently have no plans to release Smith, that would save them $12.1 million in 2023. If the two sides get something going, Smith has two years left on his contract.
