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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots part ways with Jack Jones

Originally posted on Boston Sports Journal
By Mike Giardi | Last updated 11/18/23

Getting suspended and reportedly mouthing off to Bill Belichick wasn't enough to get Jack Jones cut at the end of last season.

Nor was getting arrested at Logan Airport with a pair of guns.

But being late for a Saturday meeting and failing to show enough remorse - if you will - finally got Jones kicked to the curb.

Jones' agent, J. Tooson, confirmed the move via a statement.

"Certainly, we want to thank the Patriot Organization for drafting Jack," he wrote. "Jack is an immense talent and looks forward to making an immediate contribution on his next team as soon as Sunday."

Jones had seen a severe reduction in snaps in recent weeks. It started with a first-quarter benching against Washington for being late to that meeting the night before at the team hotel. A team source said they hoped that would serve as a final wakeup call for the cornerback, but that's not how it played.

I'm told by a source that Jones' behavior/engagement this past week and in Germany wasn't to the level the team had hoped after his previous incident (late for team meeting/1st quarter benching vs Washington). https://t.co/KIuTkYlYHE
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 13, 2023

The second-year pro's demeanor on the sideline in each of these games showed a disconnect from coaches and his teammates. Jones sitting on the bench with a towel draped over his head as the rest of the defensive players stood by Steve Belichick and Jerod Mayo in case their number was called.

Monday morning, Bill Belichick was asked about Jones' behavior and if he was engaged enough and played dip, duck, and dodge, only saying, "I'm not going to get into any players' personal situations."

Jones played just 10 snaps Sunday in Germany and appeared responsible for a pair of receptions allowed. The week prior, he managed 30 post-benching.

The Patriots liked the former Arizona State and USC product's coverage skills, and indeed, he showed promising signs in his rookie season, including a pick-6 of Aaron Rodgers, after which he declared it a sign of disrespect for any team to try and throw an out route on him.

The team took a calculated risk drafting Jones in the first place. He came to them with character concerns, having been arrested and pleading guilty in college for robbing a Panda Express restaurant. His arrest this summer was eventually settled once Jones agreed to one-year pre-trial probation.

The 2022 draft class, which was touted by ownership at the time, looks grim.

1st Round: Cole Strange (starter)

2nd Round: Tyquan Thornton (dressed but didn't play Sunday. 25 career catches)

3rd Round: Marcus Jones (out for the season)

4th round: Jack Jones (sayonara)

4th round: Pierre Strong (traded in August)

4th round: Bailey Zappe (2-0 as a starter. Cut in August and re-signed)

6th round: Kevin Harris (PS. 5 games as a rookie. 52 yards rushing)

6th round: Sam Roberts (11 games over 2 seasons. 6 tackles)

7th round: Chasen Hines (cut)

7th round: Andrew Steuber (PS)

Not great, Bob. Not great, Bill. Not great.