In 2024, Jonathan Jones will be in the final year of his contract and will have a cap hit of $12.75 million. If the Patriots release him, they will owe $7.75 million. Gonzalez is currently in his second year of a four-year rookie contract and will have a cap hit of approximately $3.432 million next season. This will increase to $4.118 million in 2025 and $4.805 million in 2026. Jackson has a cap hit of $14.375 million this season, but it is not guaranteed, and the Patriots will receive the full amount if they release him. He is also owed $14.025 million in 2025 and $14.1 million in 2026. Marcus Jones is in the third year of his rookie contract and has a cap hit of $1.411 million. Wade and Wilson are both in the final year of their contracts and will earn $1.055 million each, while Bolden, in the second year of his rookie deal, will earn $935,421 this season. Hearn has been signed to a futures contract and will earn $795,000 this season. Bryant is an unrestricted free agent, while Austin is an exclusive rights free agent. Borders and Hooper did not sign futures contracts, making them free agents as well.
Gonzalez, drafted 17th overall, showed promise as a No. 1 cornerback before his season-ending injury in Week 4. He allowed 11 catches on 20 targets (58%) for 124 yards, with three passes defended and an interception. Jonathan Jones missed three of the first four games but performed well thereafter, allowing 12 catches on 36 targets for 203 yards, with one touchdown and seven pass breakups. Bryant had one of his best seasons, finishing with 77 tackles, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He allowed 25 catches on 43 targets (60%) for 371 yards, with three touchdowns. Jack Jones allowed eight catches on 11 targets for 117 yards, with a touchdown and pass breakup, before being benched and subsequently cut. Marcus Jones suffered a shoulder injury, and the team brought back Jackson to fill the void. Jackson allowed 17 catches on 40 targets for 293 yards, with four touchdowns and six pass breakups.
The Patriots need to find more depth at the cornerback position, particularly behind Jones. They could rework Jackson’s contract or add another veteran or draft pick to the group. The team must also address the slot cornerback position, which has been played by Bryant, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Marcus Jones could potentially fill this spot, but Bryant has surpassed him on the depth chart in recent seasons. The Patriots may need to bring Bryant back or add another slot cornerback to the roster.
