Copyright MassLive
FOXBOROUGH - Marcus Jones didn’t utilize the services of an agent to negotiate his extension with the Patriots. He represented himself en route to agreeing to a three-year, $36 million deal that will keep him in New England for the foreseeable future. Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Jones relayed that the talks had been ongoing for about a month, that he primarily negotiated with executive VP of personnel Eliot Wolf and VP of football administration Matt Groh, and how elated he was that it all worked out. The star cornerback and All-Pro punt returners said he leant on some advisors for advice, but essentially worked out the deal with Wolf and Groh himself. He said both sides were “on the same page” in terms of wanting to get a deal done, and compromised on a number that worked for both of them, saying they “met in the middle” on the contract. “It was great from the sense of finding the terms that we liked,” Jones said. “So that was great.” Why was it important for Jones stay, as opposed to testing the market, where he might have made a ton more money? “First off, I was drafted here. I’ve built a lot of connections here, on and off the field,” he said. “And I love the community out here and being a part of that. And also this organization, ever since I’ve been here, and everything like that, they’ve been valuing me as a captain and being a player on this team. Also, I love the things we do. being a part of that.” Jones also talked about the culture Mike Vrabel is building as another reason why he wanted to get something done now and remain a Patriot. “I signed for a reason,” Jones went on. “I trust what (Vrabel) brings to the table. And also, how he keeps the standard, the standard. That’s the main thing.”
