2018 Patriots roster cuts: New England releases former second-round pick Cyrus Jones

The New England Patriots have a rather deep cornerback group behind roster locks Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe and second-round draft pick Duke Dawson. A pair of rookies are the reason for that: both J.C. Jackson and Keion Crossen have looked good over the course of the summer and have legitimate shots at making the team – at the expense of a once highly-drafted cornerback.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, New England has parted ways with Cyrus Jones:

The Patriots have released former second-round pick Cyrus Jones, per source.

Cyrus Jones was selected with the 60th pick of the 2016 NFL draft, but failed to make a positive impact early on during his career. He struggled as a punt and kickoff returner and failed to establish himself as a member of the Patriots’ cornerback rotation as well. Jones looked better during the 2017 preseason but tore his ACL and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve.

He tried a comeback this year, but started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. While he did come off the list and appeared in New England’s final two preseason contests as both a cornerback and punt returner, Jones apparently was unable to beat out the other options at the positions.

And while could still stay in New England via the practice squad, his status as a former second-round draft pick could lead to teams trying to claim him on the waiver wire.