The Patriots' first move of free agency was to bring back an old friend to solidify an important position.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport tweeted Monday that New England is expected to re-sign cornerback Jonathan Jones to a two-year deal.
Jones, the team's best cornerback from a year ago, proved he could play on the outside last year after spending most of his career in the slot and had a strong 2022, posting career-highs in interceptions (four) and passes defended (11).
Bringing him back strengthens a cornerback position that could have been very thin without him and retains stability for a secondary that will lose its most senior leader in Devin McCourty (retirement).
The former undrafted cornerback out of Auburn wanted to return to Foxborough after a solid seven seasons with the Patriots. He got his wish, and the Patriots are better for it.
The Jones re-signing, along with moving Jonnu Smith's onerous contract with a trade to the Falcons, has New England starting off 2023 free agency well.