49ers bolster secondary with Jack Jones. Does this veteran signing eliminate their need for a draft-day cornerback?
The San Francisco 49ers have signed a new cornerback in Jack Jones. The former defensive back from the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins comes aboard to solidify cornerback depth for the Niners.
Some may have come around to the idea that the Niners are unlikely to draft a cornerback given what they already have, but that may have become more likely after adding the former Patriots draft pick. With needs elsewhere and perhaps not the strongest cornerback class, San Francisco might have preempted a potential cornerback selection by finding depth prior to the draft.
The Associated Press described the move to sign Jones.
"Jones, 28, was originally a fourth-round pick by New England in 2022 and spent time last season with Miami, where he started all 17 games and finished with one interception, two forced fumbles and six passes defensed.
Jones has had his most success playing press man coverage, which should fit well in new coordinator Raheem Morris' scheme with the 49ers. Jones adds depth for San Francisco behind starters Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green at outside cornerback.
Jones showed flashes as a rookie with New England, but got cut midway through his second season. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and made a big impact with two interception returns for TDs in back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City."
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones (23) interception a pass intended for Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) in overtime during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Whether or not Jones is a true difference maker for the Niners is up for debate. While he has made plays over the course of his NFL career, nobody expects him to elevate the 49ers secondary to a great degree.
The Associated Press notes that since entering the league, Jones has eight interceptions and 33 pass breakups. They also note that four of his eight career interceptions through four years have gone for pick sixes. In other words, Jones is so far good one two interceptions and a pick six per season in the NFL. It highlights what could be an underrated get for the 49ers in the mid-April signing.
San Francisco answered an important question on Saturday. In Jones, they add a proven player that can step up and fill a role for new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' defense. The Niners will look to put the finishing touches on a complete football team in a few days when the 2026 NFL draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh.