Jonesing

So, this wasn't really that big a surprise, was it?

 

In terms of the priorities for retaining those core, young defenders, Chandler Jones was always the 4th priority. I had it Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Butler and then Jones. Maybe you had Hightower over Collins and I can respect that, but the point is, we all had Chandler Jones as the guy the Patriots should take care of after Collins, Hightower and Butler (in whatever order). Let's face it. Between his shirtless appearance at a local police station and the better than anyone could've hoped for performance by Jabaal Sheard, Chandler Jones was a commodity, not a future.

Not that I would’ve been unhappy if New England had been able to extend Jones (as long as they also kept Collins, Hightower and Butler, of course) but I'm feeling pretty good about help on the offensive line and a 2nd round pick.

Sure, this trade will take time to evaluate. If Jonathan Cooper realizes his full potential under the watchful eye of Dante Scarnecchia (hardly a reach) and Belichick turns that 2nd round pick into a key contributor (maybe he packages a 2nd and a 3rd into a 1st round pick in 2017 – sound familiar?), this will be a big win for the Patriots. But yes, we'll need to wait and see.

Quick Aside: I don't think there's any player worth moving up into the 1st round for in this year's draft but, given the opportunity to tweak Roger Goodell, it's worth mentioning that with two 2nd rounders and 10 draft picks overall, Belichick certainly has the assets to trade up into the 1st round if he wanted to. Fuck you, Roger. The only reason the New England Patriots don't have a 1st round pick is because they don't need it.

Could the Patriots afford Collins, Hightower, Butler and Jones?

Probably not.

If this means extensions for Collins, Hightower, Butler – and Sheard – I'm good.

If this means the coaches believe Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers can contribute as situational/rotation guys, I'm good.

Maybe Chris Long has a couple gallons left in the tank and maybe I'm talking myself into that but you know what? I'm good with that.

Hey, it's Belichick. I'm good.

We're on to 2016!