Patriots CB Jonathan Jones Mentoring Christian Gonzalez: 'It's What You Do'

Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones is not only expected to help anchor the New England Patriots secondary in 2023, but he is also ready to mentor New England's young defensive backfield.

FOXBORO — Following the retirement of longtime team captain Devin McCourty, the New England Patriots took a big step toward maintaining continuity by inking cornerback Jonathan Jones to a two-year contract worth up to $19 million. 

As he prepares to enter his eighth season in New England, Jones is quite cognizant of his need to provide a respected veteran presence for the Pats first-round Draft selection Christian Gonzalez and their young secondary -- a role for which McCourty and several former teammates imparted an exemplary template. 

"It's not what you say, it's what you do." Jones said during his first meeting with the New England media since re-signing with the team in March. "I’ve had a good group of guys around me that I’ve looked to – Devin [McCourty]. Any problem I’ve had, that’s on the field, off the field, I could look over and say there’s Devin, there’s Pat [Chung,] [Don’t’a] Hightower ... it made it easier for me to watch and learn and see what it meant not just to be a Patriot, but also to be a good man on and off the field. I had a lot of good examples.”

Since joining the Patriots as an undrafted rookie out of Auburn in 2016, Jones has become of the team’s most versatile defensive backs. For his first five seasons in New England, he was considered among the top slot corners in the NFL. Following the departure of ex-alpha cornerback J. C. Jackson via free agency in 2022, Jones make the switch to the perimeter. The 29-year-old compiled 69 total tackles, 11 passes-defensed, four interceptions (one of which went for a touchdown) and three forced fumbles in 16 games. In coverage, Jones performed adequately, surrendering 47 catches on 87 targets for 547 yards and six touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. He was the Pats most reliable contributor in a game day rotation consisting of veteran Jalen Mills, slot corner Myles Bryant and 2022 rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones.

Without McCourty acting as the de-facto director of New England's defensive backfield, Jones will now be the 'elder statesman' in the Patriots secondary. Although he can hardly be considered 'old' at age 29, Jones has collected a wisdom beyond his years, which he is ready to share with the next generation. 

"I think a lot of guys look at me as the guy that’s kind of been around and had some experience and done a few things,” Jones said. “You begin to look around and it’s a lot of young guys and you’re like, ‘I’m not that old yet' ... but they kind of look up to you and they want answers,” he added. “And the young guys coming in, they’re hungry for that.”

While conventional wisdom would once again place Jones on the perimeter in 2023, yet another positional move may be in store for him. Despite beginning his pro career in the slot, Jones has previous experience playing safety from his days as an Auburn Tiger. His speed and experience make him an intriguing option, should New England decide to reassign some of their personnel in the defensive backfield. 

Would Jones welcome such a move?

“My answer to that question, is that I get to play football," Jones said with a knowing grin. "Anytime I get to go out there in-between those lines I love it ... So, I’m not really particularly worried about where I play, where I end up. I just love being out there with my teammates.” 

With OTAs set to begin on May 22, Jones' roles -- both on and off the field -- should begin to take shape as the team puts the finishing touches on their offseason training program. 

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