Patriots Defender Open To More Offensive Snaps (Again)

FOXBORO, Mass. — Marcus Jones marked the peak of the versatility Bill Belichick loved in his players with the New England Patriots. That’s a huge reason the legendary former head coach drafted Jones in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Houston product immediately stepped in that season and made an impact when he scored a touchdown in all three phases of the game. He returned an interception for a touchdown on Christmas Eve against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had the game-winning touchdown to beat the New York Jets at home on a last-second punt return. He also caught an RPO screen and took that one to the house against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football.

The Patriots cornerback primarily sticks to his defensive duties these days after missing the majority of the 2023 campaign with an injury. He did show Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams he could still help the offense when offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called his number for a five-yard carry.

“It was great,” Jones said in the home locker room at Gillette Stadium. “The last time I took an offensive snap was 2022. It was good to be back out there.”

Jones credited the coaching staff for keeping him prepared in all three phases and giving him a heads-up that he may be called upon as a playmaker on offense again. If that’s the case, the third-year Patriot will stay ready.

“I’m definitely open to it,” Jones shared. “Mainly defense, but I’m definitely open to it.”

Jones could see that expanded role down the stretch, though his focus remains on stacking tallies in the win column for the Patriots.

“It was great, but at the end of the day, I was always care about the W,” Jones said. “We didn’t get that. We want to go ahead and make sure we can get a W next week.”