Well, it has been a week for Patriots slot cornerback Marcus Jones. Two days ago, Jones was given a hefty raise as his efforts here in 2025 were rewarded with a new three-year, $36 million contract extension ($27.5 million guaranteed) that is slated to keep him in New England as long as through the 2028 season.
That qualified as a good day. And so did Thursday, when Jones was named the surprising recipient of the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Month Award for October.
While Jones has been excellent this month, it was a surprise that he was tabbed the top of the heap for the conference. He had a slow start in September, and Pro Football Focus rated his first four games at a 54.2, which is in the bottom third of the league. But in October, that number has been 75.5, which would rate in the top 10 in the NFL. It’s been a significant turnaround for him.
Patriots Getting Increased Production From Marcus Jones
From the Patriots’ announcement on the award: “Jones helped New England finish the month of October with a perfect 4-0 record and his 8 passes defensed during the month are tied for the most in the NFL. He is one of three defensive backs since 2000 with a tackle for a loss and a pass defensed in four straight games.
“Jones recorded 20 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 8 passes defensed over the last four games for New England, whose defense is currently ranked 4th in the NFL in points allowed and 9th overall.”
Indeed, the 6-2 Patriots have given up just 146 points this season and 2,403 yards of offense. After a slow start–Jones was not alone in that regard–the pass coverage is now up to No. 9 in the league, according to PFF.
Patriots’ Mike Vrabel: ‘He Embodies Everything We’re Looking for Here in a Player’
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has been complimentary of Jones’ contributions all season, including his exceptional play in special teams, where he returned a punt for a touchdown in the Week 4 win over Carolina.
When asked this week about the need to extend Jones now, Vrabel was uncharacteristically positive on his veteran CB.
“It’s something that we’ve talked about and wanted to – I think he embodies everything that we’re looking for here in a player, in a teammate, on the field, in the community,” he said. “It’s something that we were excited about doing and glad that he wanted to get that done and be with us moving forward.”
Acting defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr was asked what he has seen from Jones lately, and Kuhr responded, tongue-in-cheek: “A big smile on his face.
Marcus Jones: ‘It Means a Lot’
As for Jones, he, too, was asked about the extension and said he was glad to be able to put down roots with a team on the upswing. He is one of the few remaining draftees from the Bill Belichick era, having been picked in the third round from Houston in 2023.
“It means a lot,” Jones said. “I was drafted here, it is something that I loved. And then also, them valuing me as a captain and also as a player on this team and doing a lot of things in the community, and stuff like that.”
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