'Time to Move On!' New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Explains Jack Jones Release
Oh, the difference a year makes.
Halfway through his rookie season with the New England Patriots, cornerback Jack Jones appeared to be establishing himself as a building block in the secondary while vastly outplaying his fourth-round draft selection.
Now just 12 months later Jones is out of Foxboro, waived by the Patriots on Monday. While Jones has provided his side of the story, Bill Belichick remains characteristically vague as to why.
"Felt like it was time to move on," Belichick said three separate times this week when asked about the surprising move.
Belichick added there was nothing in particular that happened with Jones during New England's trip to Germany for Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a game in which Jones played just 10 defensive snaps, his fewest mark this season.
The 25-year-old Jones was claimed off waivers Tuesday by the Las Vegas Raiders and claimed the Patriots simply weren't the right fit for his services.
Reports previously emerged that Jones missed a team curfew prior to a Week 9 loss against the Washington Commanders, though he stated that didn't happen.
The New England Patriots parted ways with cornerback Jack Jones on Monday.
Photo Cred: The Athletic
Jones played in 18 games with two starts during his time in Foxboro, collecting 42 tackles, seven passes defended, three tackles for loss and three interceptions.
Belichick asserted upon Jones' release there was no chance he'd be brought back on the practice squad, with the organization wanting to cut ties indefinitely.
"Jack's a talented player," Belichick said. "He showed that when he played for us at times. In the end, I just felt like we needed to move on. But he's a talented player."
Jones will get his first chance at a fresh start Sunday, when the Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST.
The Patriots are in the midst of their bye week and will return to action the following Sunday on the road against the New York Giants.
