“Vikings become trade partner for New England Patriots CB”

The New England Patriots are approaching the 2024 NFL trade deadline and have a lot to keep an eye on. One of the biggest potential trade candidates on the roster is veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones.

Jones, who is currently the Patriots' starter, doesn't seem to fit the long-term goals for New England. It would be a wise decision to move him now and add value to him.

Drake Maye has given the franchise hope for the future. However, that future is simply not now. It will likely be a few years before the Patriots are a serious contender in the AFC again.

Since Jones is 31 years old, that schedule doesn't suit him. New England should get the best draft pick value they can for him and move on.

On that note, Chad Graff from The athlete has proposed a trade that would send Jones out of town. He believes the Patriots should send Jones to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.

“Brian Flores has Minnesota's defense playing like one of the best in the league. He constantly mixes up his game play and uses exotic lightning attacks. It’s a lot of fun to watch,” Graff wrote. “But the Vikings could use the depth at cornerback, and Flores has already signed a former Patriot cornerback and signed Stephon Gilmore earlier this year. Perhaps Jones could be the next to play for the former assistant who spent 15 seasons in New England.”

Jones would be an excellent addition to the Vikings defense. At this point in the season, they definitely look like a potential NFC contender.

So far in the 2024 season, Jones has played in all seven games for New England. He has 27 total tackles, along with a forced fumble and three passes defensed. He has also shown throughout his career that he is more than capable of making plays and forcing interceptions.

His skill set makes a lot of sense for Minnesota. Flores would likely like to have a cornerback duo of Gilmore and Jones starting on opposite sides.

Granted, there are plenty of other teams in the NFL that could be interested in Jones. If the Patriots started a bidding war and somehow found a way to get a fifth-round spot for him, that would be ideal.

That being said, it would be perfectly fine to involve him in this proposed trade. A sixth-round pick can lead to the signing of a talented player. Getting this pick for a player who doesn't fit into the long-term plans would be a win.

Be sure to bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, movie breakdowns and more!