Patriots reportedly sign Jonathan Jones to three-year, $21 million contract extension

The NFL’s headlines are dominated by Antonio Brown today after the superstar wide receiver was released by the Oakland Raiders. However, one story that should not get lost amidst all the chaos is the following: according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots and cornerback Jonathan Jones are closing in on a contract extension. Further details are not yet known at the moment.

Before the start of the NFL’s 2019 league year in mid-March, the Patriots placed the second-round tender on the restricted free agent to-be. The move prevented Jones from hitting the open market, and guaranteed compensation for New England in case another team was intent on acquiring the versatile defensive back. The tender basically works like a non-guaranteed one-year contract worth $3.095 million.

New England tendering Jones showed how the team viewed the former undrafted rookie signing heading into 2019: the 25-year-old is projected to be the Patriots’ top pure slot cornerback and a potential safety in specific packages as well as a four-unit special teamer. Needless to say that Jones has considerable value to the Patriots — one that will be locked up for the foreseeable future if contract talks go as is expected.

[UPDATE] According to Rapoport, the extension runs over three years and is worth $21 million with $13 million in guarantees. All in all, Jones can earn up to $25 million.