The Indianapolis Colts are being pushed to pursue a Patriots veteran defender to strengthen their secondary.
The Indianapolis Colts are 0-2 to begin the young NFL season following a heartbreaking 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers and backup quarterback Malik Willis. While Anthony Richardson and the offense did not play very well, they only got about 20 minutes on the field. The defense seems bewildered as to what to do against the Packers and running back Josh Jacobs.
In a recent piece listing what all 32 NFL teams can do to strengthen their squads before Week 3 and address flaws, Bleacher Report says the Colts should make a trade for Jonathan Jones, a two-time New England Patriots Super Bowl cornerback.
“Making a move for a veteran like Jonathan Jones could help them. Jones is a solid veteran cornerback who is in the final year of his contract with the Patriots. New England is not expected to be a factor this season. The Colts should call and see what it would take to add Jones to their roster and the Patriots could improve their 2025 draft stock.”
Jones has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots (in 2017 and 2019) and has had a successful nine-year career. Jones has played 117 games (59 starts) and has 389 tackles, 8 forced fumbles, 52 deflected passes, 11 interceptions, and a 55-yard defensive touchdown return. Jones started 14 games for the Patriots last season and received a remarkable 75.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. He also provided excellent support in run defense, scoring 74.0.
Jones, who is 31 years old, may still play and may not attract a high price in trade. However, Indianapolis is not in a position to sell any assets. The majority of the summer was devoted retaining franchise mainstays like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and linebacker Zaire Franklin (to name a few). Don’t expect Indianapolis to spend any money to trade for the veteran cornerback, though it’s not a bad notion given Jones’ likely numerous seasons of strong performance remaining in the tank.
In the absence of starter JuJu Brents (knee), the Colts will rely on a banged-up defensive backfield anchored by veteran Kenny Moore II and rookie Jaylon Jones. If the Colts want to remain competitive in 2024, they must win against the Chicago Bears in Week 3 and improve their run defense. Falling to 0-3 for any team almost screams disaster before the season begins; expect the Colts to avoid this at all costs at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
