Adam Peters is not a sentimental man. Not when it comes to building a roster he believes can spearhead the Washington Commanders to even greater heights moving forward.
Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones found that out to his cost during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The two-time Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal this offseason, ending his glittering spell with the New England Patriots. The Commanders reportedly examined the prospect of trading for Jones before the deadline, but they went with Marshon Lattimore instead.
Washington now has the best of both worlds. However, it didn't stop Peters from drafting another imposing corner when there was value to be had.
Commanders draft pick could reduce Jonathan Jones' influence in 2025
Peters considered Trey Amos in the first round at No. 29 overall. When the Ole Miss graduate was still sitting there at No. 61, those in power didn't hesitate to pull the trigger. After all, the front-office leader's strategy takes the best prospects available regardless of need.
This will shake up the cornerback dynamic considerably. Amos is a strong, physical boundary corner. If he transitions smoothly, he's expected to form a potentially prolific outside partnership with Lattimore. Should this scenario come to fruition, it'll allow Mike Sainristil to occupy more responsibilities in the slot.
Sainristil was tabbed as a slot specialist coming into the Commanders. Circumstances demanded a need to move him to the outside, where he excelled. Having more options gives defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. some extra flexibility to maximize the immense attributes at his disposal.
This leaves Jones in a tricky spot. He'll spend some time in the nickel. He'll spend some time on the outside depending on the specific matchup. But if all goes well for the Commanders, the former undrafted free agent out of Auburn will be the team's versatile No. 4 option.
This is the new reality facing Jones, and that's fine.
Jones will be 32 years old next season with plenty of tread on the tires. A lesser role keeps him fresh, which should allow him to be productive when his number is called. And he's a respected leader within the locker room with proven experience in winning environments. That's only going to help the Commanders in pursuit of going over the hump.
If Amos takes a little longer to adjust, Jones is dependable enough to fill the void. At the very least, this speaks to the improved depth in a position of strength. Looking at the edge-rushing concerns in Washington, an accomplished cornerback room will be essential.
Jones will have a part to play, even if it's in a lesser role than originally anticipated.