Report: Cyrus Jones Signs Patriots Contract, Was on Ravens' Practice Squad

The New England Patriots have signed cornerback Cyrus Jones, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it's a two-year deal, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted running back Kenjon Barner was released to make room for Jones.

Jones was released by New England at the end of the preseason and had since been a member of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.

This signing comes just days after Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles shredded the Patriots defense for 377 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-20 victory in Week 2.

A second-round pick by the Patriots in 2016, the Alabama product saw limited time at cornerback as a rookie but was involved in special teams. In 2016, Jones returned 11 punts for 46 yards and eight kickoffs for 180 yards.

Howe noted the 5'10", 195-pound defensive back is likely to take on a similar role this time around as well.

Unfortunately for Jones, though, his first stint in New England was derailed by a significant knee injury. He tore his ACL and partially tore his meniscus during the preseason last year and missed the entire 2017 campaign as a result.

While that injury could be a devastating blow to a career, Jones was determined to use it as a learning experience. He said in August, according to AL.com's Mark Inabinett: 

"Not being able to play the game physically, you only have one choice, and that's to watch from the outside in and try to become better as a student of the game. I tried to do my best to take advantage of that. ...

"Just try to use this time wisely to work on myself as a person outside of football and just become a student of the game and get those reps in the film room, watching the games on Sundays if I wasn't here. Just kind of get an edge in that aspect. That's all you can do."

Jones opened this year's training camp on the physically unable to perform list and was among the final roster cuts on Sept. 1.

Now, Jones will have the opportunity to show New England coach Bill Belichick that he is not only healthy but has improved as a player.