Patriots Make Surprise Move, Release Troubled CB

Ian Logue

2 weeks ago at 1:54 pm ET

MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

The Patriots are apparently cleaning out some bad apples as they get set to embark on their final seven games of 2023.

One big domino fell on Monday, with Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reporting that New England is apparently parting with 2022 draft pick, Jack Jones.

The embattled cornerback came into the NFL with some significant questions and seemingly an attitude to go along with it. Those issues started in his rookie season, with Jones ending up suspended at the end of the 2022 season for apparent disciplinary reasons, which was the first sign that the former Arizona State standout was potentially in trouble here.

Head coach Bill Belichick talked about a “fresh” start during the offseason, with the focus on moving forward into 2023.

But Jones’ troubles continued. He was arrested over the summer due to gun charges where he allegedly took a loaded firearm through security at Logan Airport, with one of the charges from that incident carrying a mandatory sentence.

Still, the Patriots, who easily could have parted ways with him then, stood by him.

Somehow, Jones ultimately saw those charges dropped, which opened the door for a fresh start as he headed into a new season.

Yet, problems persisted, and they apparently came to a head last week after both Jones and J.C. Jackson each violated team rules, with rumors about missing curfew swirling ahead of last week’s game against the Commanders.

Jackson was left behind while Jones traveled with the team this past Sunday when the Patriots took on the Colts. He ended up being active on Sunday and played 10 snaps against Indianapolis, albeit something seemingly transpired from there that led to Jones being waived on Monday.

The reasons behind today’s move haven’t come to light. Unfortunately, his departure closes the chapter on a guy they took a chance on in 2022 who just didn’t work out.

Now they’ll move forward without him as the team looks to right itself over the remainder of what’s certainly been a difficult 2023 season.