Vikings: 3 former players Brian Flores can reunite with to save the defense

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 12: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots gets set against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

3 former players Brian Flores needs to save the Vikings defense, No. 2: Jonathan Jones

The cornerback position will be one that the Vikings will need to address. After all, Patrick Peterson is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. One free agent who does have a link to Flores dating back to their time in New England is Jonathan Jones.

While Flores was the linebackers coach for the Patriots after Jones signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016, he did become defensive play-caller for the entire 2018 season after Matt Patricia left to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions. Even so, Flores and Jones were on the same team for three seasons.

In Flores’ first year as defensive play-caller, Jones recorded 56 combined tackles (44 solo, 12 assisted), seven passes defended and three interceptions.

This past season in Jones’ final year under contract with the Patriots, he recorded 69 combined tackles (56 solo, 13 assisted), 11 passes defended, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles. In coverage, Jones allowed 48 receptions for 588 yards and five touchdowns on 91 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Jones would be a good free agent signing by the Vikings.

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