NFC Team Viewed As Landing Spot For Patriots Veteran Reportedly Makes Trade

The Washington Commanders were expected to upgrade at cornerback ahead of the NFL trade deadline, and New England Patriots veteran Jonathan Jones was among the most speculated players to land in the nation’s capital.

Washington, however, won’t be making a deal for Jones.

The Commanders on Tuesday acquired veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore in a trade with the New Orleans Saints, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. New Orleans received a third-round pick for Lattimore about three hours before the league’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said New England intended to keep “culture guys” like Jones in Foxboro, Mass. It was never confirmed the Patriots were shopping Jones. But there was plenty of speculation involving the 31-year-old, who is playing on an expiring contract.

It’s easy to understand why Washington would prefer Lattimore over Jones or other options. The 2017 first-round pick is three years younger (28), has graded better in coverage and has a resume including four Pro Bowl nods during his eight-year tenure in New Orleans.

Lattimore, who signed a five-year, $97.6 million deal with the Saints, is under contract through 2026.