The New England Patriots are re-signing cornerback Jonathan Jones to a two-year contract, a source told A to Z Sports.

Jones was the Patriots’ top free-agent defender set to hit the open market. He was expected to have a healthy market in free agency.

Jones primarily has played slot cornerback since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2016. He played outside cornerback last season, however, and has the versatility to play safety, as well.

Re-signing Jones is key after longtime Patriots captain Devin McCourty retired last week. Jones is a potential fill-in for McCourty if the Patriots want to move his position again. Jones gives the Patriots flexibility in building their secondary around him.

Jones re-joins a cornerback group that includes Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade and Jalen Mills.

Jack Jones played outside as a rookie, but Marcus Jones has the ability to play outside or in the slot. Mills has played safety during his NFL career, as well.

The Patriots' current top safeties, Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips, primarily play strong safety, not McCourty's free safety position.

Jonathan Jones is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He began his career as a key special teams player for New England.

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