Cornerback Jack Jones Finds New Home with the Raiders
Former Patriot Excited for Fresh Start
Cornerback Jack Jones was left disappointed earlier this week when the New England Patriots waived him. However, his spirits were quickly lifted when the Las Vegas Raiders claimed him off waivers.
Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce, who previously coached Jones in high school at Long Beach Poly and in college at Arizona State, played a significant role in the cornerback’s decision to join the team.
“It stung for sure,” Jones expressed on Wednesday after his first practice with the Raiders, according to Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “That was the team that drafted me. Your mindset is that you’re going to spend the first four years there. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
“But this is a blessing. I’m not going to lie. I feel like everything happened for a reason, and I’m happy to be here, blessed to be here, and ready to get to work.”
Jones, a fourth-round selection by the New England Patriots in 2022, chose not to delve into the specifics of his departure from the team.
During his previous season, Jones showcased his skills with two interceptions, six passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Despite starting the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, he managed to make an impact in four games for the Patriots this season, recording one pass defensed.
“I would say it just wasn’t the best fit,” Jones explained. “I can’t speak too much about it because I’m not on the coaching staff. It just wasn’t the best fit.
“I still have some fire behind me. I kind of feel like I have something to prove without going out of my way to try to prove it. I just want to show everybody that I’m a talented player and not someone you can easily dismiss. I’m not saying that was the case with the Patriots. Whatever happened, it just didn’t work out. That’s why I ended up here. I just want to demonstrate to everyone that I’m a skilled player.”