5 Patriots Whose Jobs Aren’t Safe After Surviving Trade Deadline
4. Jonathan Jones, CB
Jonathan Jones has been a Patriots fan favorite ever since he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent back in 2016. The 31-year-old veteran cornerback has gone on to play 133 games for the franchise since then and played a role in each of New England's last two Super Bowl victories.
Unfortunately, it's beginning to look like Jones' best days are in the rearview mirror. His production has been declining in recent years, which is a trend that continued in 2024 as he's tallied just 26 solo tackles, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble in nine games. He hasn't even recorded an interception since Week 17 of the 2022 campaign.
Even though he has his moments now and then, it's clear that Jones can't be trusted against the NFL's best receivers anymore. His 67.0 defense grade on PFF is his second-worst mark in the last six seasons and that likely won't change based on this season's trajectory.
Like others on this list, Jones will become a free agent in the offseason. While the Patriots might be interested in a reunion, the veteran ballhawk must step up if he wants that to be more than a mere possibility.
5. Sidy Sow, OG
Sidy Sow's rookie campaign was a mixed bag, to say the least.
On one hand, the former 2023 fourth-rounder was an asset to the ground game as he registered a solid run block grade of 71.3 while making 13 starts in 15 appearances. On the other hand, the former Eastern Michigan product struggled to protect his quarterback by playing to a 46.3 pass block grade.
Nevertheless, Patriots fans were excited to see what the 6-foot-5 guard could do in Year 2. Those optimistic supporters have been met with nothing but disappointment, though, leaving time to tell what that means for Sow's career.
The 26-year-old went from being a starter in 2023 to making one start in seven appearances this season. That's because Sow has played to 49.5 run block and 2.5 pass block grades, respectively, as he struggles to provide the offensive line with adequate protection. He's also allowing pressures on 11.3% of passing downs compared to just 5.6% last year.
Being limited to eight or fewer offensive snaps in five of his last six games, the writing is on the wall for Sow's future in New England. The Patriots will likely consider trading or waiving him in the offseason if he keeps failing to look like an offensive lineman capable of playing at the NFL level.
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