Jonathan Jones Leaves Patriots for One-Year Deal with Commanders

Foxborough, Mass. — Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, marking his first move in free agency after a nine-year tenure with the New England Patriots. The announcement was made by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on March 12, 2025.

The 31-year-old Jones, an undrafted free agent out of Auburn, played 132 games and made 71 starts with the Patriots. His time in New England was marked by significant contributions, totaling 436 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 57 pass breakups. Last season, he started 14 of the 17 games he played, recording 58 tackles and six pass breakups.

“I’m excited for this new chapter with the Commanders,” Jones said. “New opportunities come with new challenges, and I’m ready to take them on.”

Jones’s role diminished in the past two seasons as he transitioned from a core special teams player to focusing primarily on defense, logging only 21 special teams snaps over that period. His performance in 2024 saw a decline, finishing the season without an interception and with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 60.7, ranking 79th among 117 eligible cornerbacks.

Jones’s departure comes as the Patriots are undergoing significant changes, particularly on defense, following a lackluster season amid coaching adjustments. Patriots fans expressed disappointment at the news, with supporter Stan Papi commenting, “Sorry to see this guy leave. Good player and leader, but the Patriots are obviously making changes.”

The Commanders, who are looking to strengthen their secondary, are hoping that Jones can regain his previous form. His experience and skills could be vital for Washington, especially as they build towards the upcoming season.

Jones leaves behind a legacy of two Super Bowl championships with the Patriots. His ability to adapt both as a slot and outside cornerback during his career made him a versatile asset for New England. Now, he is poised to make an impact in Washington as part of their effort to improve defensive structures.