TUSCALOOSA, Ala.| Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have a second Alabama standout on defense. Defensive back Cyrus Jones came to terms on a contract Thursday, according to NFL writer Aaron Wilson (Houston Chronicles).
Patriots signed second-rounder Cyrus Jones to $4.006 million, including $1.45 million guaranteed, $1.113 million signing bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 12, 2016
Jones inked a four-year, $4.006 million deal. The contract includes $1.45 million guaranteed and a $1.113 million signing bonus. New England selected Jones with the 60th overall pick (second round) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He became Alabama’s most seasoned defender during the 2015 campaign.
Jones accounted for 106 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 25 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and seven interceptions in three seasons at cornerback (2013-15). His time of 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 33″ vertical were among the best for corners at the NFL Scouting Combine.
With the returns of Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, the Patriots can manage having Jones play as the nickelback or boundary corner. His expertise in the return game gives New England another way to score points. Jones recorded four punt return touchdowns last season, including a 57-yard return for a score against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl.
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound corner played a role in the Crimson Tide earning two national championships (2012, 2015) and three Southeastern Conference championships (2012, 2014-15).
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
