The Las Vegas Raiders have caught fire the past two weeks with Antonio Pierce taking the reins. On Tuesday, the team claimed a former New England Patriot cornerback, Jack Jones, off waivers. Jones got waived by New England following the Patriots’ loss to the Colts in Frankfurt, Germany. He logged a mere ten snaps on the day, so the writing was on the wall for an eventual departure.
Raiders Claim Jack Jones Off Waivers — What Does This Mean For The Vegas Secondary?
The former four-star recruit had fallen out of favor with head coach Bill Belichick following a curfew violation in early November. Of course, an arrest in June for having firearms in his luggage at Logan Airport in Boston didn’t help matters, either.
Jones was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2022 and had a strong rookie season with two interceptions. He seemed well on his way to becoming an integral part of the secondary in New England. Alas, Jones found himself in Belichick’s doghouse this year, resulting in a massive cut in his playing time.
This decision by the Raiders is one that the fan base can rally behind. The gifted defender reunites with current interim head coach Antonio Pierce. The two were together at Long Beach Poly when Jones was in high school and Pierce was on the coaching staff. But wait, there’s more. The duo also spent time together at Arizona State following a transfer from USC by Jones.
The Sun Devil product is known as an undersized ballhawk at 5-foot-11, boasting a wiry frame. The addition of a capable coverage defender will provide much-needed depth for a Raiders secondary that has been struck with multiple injuries this season. Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Amik Robertson are chief among the injury casualties in Vegas.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce Could Revive Jones’ Career With The Silver And Black
The Raiders are well-known, historically, for rejuvenating the careers of players who need a change of scenery. Claiming Jones could be another example of that for a Silver and Black squad that desperately needs both talent and depth at cornerback. At the very least, it’s a worthwhile lottery ticket without much risk involved.
With a full week of practice before the Raiders head to Miami for Sunday’s game against the AFC East-leading Dolphins, Jack Jones could see significant playing time and get the opportunity to show that the Patriots were mistaken in letting him go. A reunion with Coach Pierce could be just what he needs to get his career back on track.
*Top Photo: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
