The New England Patriots will not retain cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. for the 2025 season as both veterans sign one-year contracts with the Washington Commanders. Their departure marks a shift for the Patriots, who have already seen other free agents leave, including Jacoby Brissett. Given their ages and recent performance trends, including concerns about speed for Jones and reduced playing time for Wise Jr., the move was anticipated. The team is now focused on rebuilding its defense, starting with signing Carlton Davis to partner with their new star cornerback.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. will not be returning to the New England Patriots in 2025, having signed with the Washington Commanders.
Neither Jones nor Wise Jr. signing elsewhere is surprising given their age and that they were core players in a previous system, making a split likely.
Jones ranked second among Patriots cornerbacks in 2024 with 712 defensive snaps, but concerns about speed and effectiveness had emerged prior to his departure.
The Patriots have already begun to address Jones' departure by signing free agent Carlton Davis to a lucrative contract, anticipating a new defensive alignment.
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