The Baltimore Ravens’ defense, after a shaky start, is finally clicking. They put on a clinic against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, showcasing that when they’re on, they’re really on. The defense held the Bills, a team known for its explosive offense, to a meager 180 passing yards.
Although the front seven was wreaking havoc in the backfield, the defensive backs deserve a lot of the credit as well. They blanketed Buffalo's receivers all night and didn't allow Allen to beat them with his arm. The defensive effort resulted in a 35-10 victory over the previously undefeated Bills.
Even though the Ravens' defense is finding its rhythm, there is some speculation that Jonathan Jones, the seasoned cornerback from a floundering New England Patriots squad, could be available at the trade deadline.
With the Patriots’ ship seemingly sinking this season—three losses in a row and counting—the time might be ripe for them to offload veteran talent and accumulate picks for a rebuild. Jones, at 31, is in the final year of his contract and hasn’t been tied to a renewal, making him a prime candidate for a mid-season move, but is he the right candidate for the Flock?
B/R urges Ravens to trade for Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones
Bleacher Report explains, "Jonathan Jones is a capable corner on a young New England Patriots team trying to find its way. T.J. Tampa has been hurt and Nate Wiggins is still learning the ropes as a rookie. Jones would bring needed flexibility to the secondary."
Early #Patriots trade deadline targets and candidates, according to @espn:
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) September 21, 2024
Target(s):
• WR Diontae Johnson (#Panthers)
• LB EJ Speed (#Colts)
Candidate(s):
• CB Jonathan Jones
• WR Kendrick Bourne
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/kggG8dnff5
While Jonathan Jones is a very solid cornerback, it's hard to envision his fit in Baltimore. Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens are the starters. Veteran Arthur Maulet is coming back from injury. Rookie cornerbacks Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa deserve playing time (when healthy), especially Wiggins, who is getting better by the snap. Where would Jones even fit?
A trade for Jones feels more like a luxury rather than a necessity. He's on an expiring contract so he'd solely be a rental for the Ravens - it just doesn't feel like Jones is what this team needs right now. A more reliable linebacker or edge rusher would be a better choice for the Ravens than another cornerback.
Baltimore’s pass defense hasn’t been elite so far, but there’s no major cause for concern. With first-time defensive coordinator Zach Orr still settling into his role and new starters working to gel, it’s understandable that it will take time. The Ravens have the talent to become a top-tier defense - it just won’t happen overnight.
Jonathan Jones is an underrated, solid cornerback, but he doesn’t significantly impact a Ravens team with Super Bowl aspirations. There’s no major role for him in Baltimore’s already deep cornerback room, and giving up assets for a player who could leave in free agency doesn’t make sense. The Ravens should focus on strengthening other position groups at the trade deadline instead. For these reasons, we’re out.