The Patriots wasted no time in re-signing one of their top defensive stars with free agency starting.
To kick off an NFL-free agency during Monday’s legal juggling period, the New England Patriots re-signed star cornerback Jonathan Jones to a two-year deal.
Jones receives a $7.5 million signing bonus. In 2023, his base salary was $1.5 million with a $1 million roster bonus ($58.8k per game) and $500k in incentives. In 2024, his salary is $8 million with a $1 million roster bonus ($58.8k per game) and $500k in incentives, according to ESPN’s Mike Reese.
NFL rumours: The Patriots are holding their starting linebacker in Jonathan Jones
New England signed Jones in 2016 as an undrafted free agent, and since then, he’s been one of the best nickel corners in the league. Last season, he played more outside than in the hole and excelled. In 2022, Jones recorded 69 combined tackles (56 solo and 13 assisted) and four interceptions, a career high for most interceptions in a season and one touchdown.
Jones recently expressed interest in returning to New England, saying:
“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.”
With defensive back Devin McCourty recently retiring, the Patriots retained his starting linebacker, and Jones got his wish to stay in New England.
New England has also re-signed linebacker Raekwon McMillian to a one-year deal with a $1.6 million base, and they’re also working on re-defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr.
