In a shocking twist, Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department is urging Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers to make a bold move. Their recommendation? A trade for none other than New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones. This unexpected suggestion has sent shockwaves throughout the football world.
According to the scouting department, Jones would be a perfect addition to the Steelers’ defense. Known for his speed and agility, Jones has proven himself as a formidable force on the field. With his exceptional coverage skills, he could be the missing piece that the Steelers need to strengthen their secondary.
The report highlights Tomlin’s ability to develop young talent and argues that Jones would thrive under his guidance. They believe that the Steelers’ coaching staff could unlock Jones’ full potential and elevate his game to new heights.
While some may question the feasibility of such a trade, the scouting department is confident that it could be a win-win situation for both teams. The Patriots would benefit from the additional assets acquired in the trade, while the Steelers would gain a valuable asset in Jones.
It remains to be seen whether Tomlin and the Steelers will heed this advice and pursue a trade for Jones. However, if they do, it could be a game-changer for the team’s defense. Stay tuned for further updates on this potential blockbuster trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of reinforcements in their secondary, and according to the Bleacher Report NFL scouting department, they could find a solution in an old adversary. The team has identified New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones as a top trade target for the Steelers this offseason. At 30 years old, Jones could be an attractive option for the Steelers, especially considering that the Patriots are currently in rebuild mode. Bleacher Report suggests that the Patriots might be willing to part ways with the veteran cornerback in exchange for an extra draft pick and financial savings.
Jones, who joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, has spent eight seasons with the team. While he initially served as a depth cornerback, he played a crucial role in the Patriots’ Super Bowl victories in 2016 and 2018. In 2022, Jones became a permanent starter for the team and showcased his skills with 48 combined tackles and 7 pass defenses in 14 games during the 2023 season.
Despite going undrafted from Auburn in 2016, Jones quickly made an impact in his rookie season with the Patriots, earning a spot on the team and even starting one game. He continued to contribute to the team’s success, appearing in all three of their playoff games in 2017. Although Jones didn’t become a regular starter until 2022, he started at least one game in each of his first six seasons. In 2019, he started in nine contests, and in 2020, he made seven starts.
Jones’s performance in 2023 earned him a solid player grade of 76.5 at Pro Football Focus (PFF). This impressive grade placed him as the 19th-best cornerback among those who played at least 50% of their team’s defensive snaps in 2023. Such an addition would be a significant upgrade for the Steelers, whose top cornerback, based on PFF player grades, was Joey Porter Jr. with a grade of 65.6.
The Steelers face several decisions regarding their cornerback position this offseason. One of the most significant choices revolves around veteran Patrick Peterson. While Peterson is currently under contract for the 2024 season, there have been rumors that the Steelers might consider cutting him to save $6.85 million against the salary cap. Peterson’s last Pro Bowl season was six years ago, and he will turn 34 in July. However, parting ways with Peterson would leave the Steelers lacking depth at cornerback, as Levi Wallace, James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan, and Elijah Riley are all set to become free agents in March.
Given these potential departures, cornerback has emerged as a popular choice for the Steelers in early mock drafts. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has even projected Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter to be selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Additionally, PFF has suggested that the Steelers could be a potential landing spot for free agent cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Steelers have options at cornerback, their salary cap situation could limit their choices. According to Spotrac, the team is currently over $14.2 million above the salary cap. Jones, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Patriots, carries a cap hit of $12.75 million in 2024. By trading Jones, the Patriots could save approximately $8.8 million towards the cap. The exact financial details of the potential deal between the Steelers and Patriots would need to be worked out, but if the Steelers are willing to part with a decent draft pick, Jones could become a more affordable option for Pittsburgh.
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