NFL Rumors: Jonathan Jones love his team, Za’Darius Smith doesn’t

Jonathan Jones wishes to stay in New England whereas Za’Darius Smith seemingly wants out of Minnesota ahead of NFL free agency. 

With the NFL free agency period starting next week, many NFL rumors are flying around the football world involving trades, releases, signings and re-signings.

Some players want to stay with their team while others want to leave.

Specifically, Vikings pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith and Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones fall on opposite sides of the coin there.

NFL rumors: Jonathan Jones wants to stay with Patriots, Za’Darius Smith wants release from Vikings

New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones has expressed his interest in staying with New England. At a Big Sister Boston event, Jones recently spoke about, how despite having the desire to re-sign with New England, he understands anything can happen.

"“That’s the desire, to be back here. It’s what I know, it’s what I love, It’s New England. It’s hard to say no to New England.”“Being here is where I’ve spent a lot of my adult life. It’s been a part of my journey and I love it. The Patriots have been a big part of my life. My development, from a young man coming here when I was 22 years old, and just growing … so I would love to still be around. I love New England. It holds a special place in my heart.”"

Jones joined the Patriots in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and since then became one of the top nickel corners in the league. Last season, he played more outside than in the slot and excelled. Jones recorded 69 combined tackles (56 solo and 13 assisted) and four interceptions, his career high for most interceptions in a season.

Jones’ experience in the slot, and his newer outside experience, should help his market next week and get him paid the way he has earned.

While Jones wants to stay with his team, the same cannot be said for Vikings edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

Despite signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, a recent tweet of Smith’s implies he wants out. Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network has indicated that the Vikings have no intention of trading or releasing Smith, despite his wanting to be released.

In his one season with the Vikings Smith recorded 44 combined tackles (32 solo and 12 assisted), 10 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Smith was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, in which he had 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and a pass breakup. In Week 8 he also had seven tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass breakup which earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Before signing with the Vikings, Smith had previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers and is now on the hunt for his fourth NFL home. Despite the Vikings currently having no plans to release Smith, it would save them $12.1 million in 2023. If the two sides do work something out, Smith has two years remaining on his contract.