Re-signing DB Jones another plus for Patriots

With the legal tampering period opening Monday, the Patriots didn’t have the most exciting first day, but they did make a few good moves.

Being able to unload disappointing tight end Jonnu Smith and his bloated contract was huge. It’ll be even better if the Patriots turn that cap space into landing a more impactful player in the days and weeks to come, be it in free agency, the draft or via trade.

Re-signing defensive back Jonathan Jones was another plus on several fronts. Granted, there was no major splash, but there’s still time for the Patriots to upgrade the roster with much-needed talent.

Being in wait-and-see mode isn’t much fun, but it’s way too early to make any sweeping conclusions about what the Patriots did, or didn’t do after just one day.

So let’s take a closer look at one of the early moves that should help the cause going forward.

Re-signing Jones on a 2year deal worth a maximum of $20 million, with $13 million guaranteed spoke volumes.

For the Patriots to lock up Jones right out of the gate was a good first step, and signaled the defensive back’s importance to Bill Belichick.

Jones’ versatility to play in the slot, out on the boundary, and free safety made him indispensable in the Patriots’ view.

He’s been in the system the longest of any defensive back. That knowledge is invaluable to the younger corners, namely Jack Jones and Marcus Jones.

While the 29-year-old isn’t a shutdown corner — his best position is in the slot — he’s still a nice piece to have in the secondary.

The bigger motivation for Belichick to keep the veteran corner in the fold?

Stability and leadership. He needs Jones in the room.

There aren’t many players left who have been a part of championship teams and can help Belichick continue to preach the so-called Patriot Way.

Defensively, along with Jones, who has two rings, Deatrich Wise, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Lawrence Guy, Jalen Mills (with the Eagles) are the only remaining Patriots who have been on Super Bowl-winning teams.

On offense, it’s David Andrews, Trent Brown and James Ferentz.

Matthew Slater is the leading ring man on special teams, while Joe Cardona, if he re-signs, also has championship jewelry.

So with Devin McCourty gone, someone else has to step up and try to not only fill the void on the field, but what he provided in the locker room.

Last week, Jones said he felt like he had watched McCourty so much, and tried to emulate him in every way over the years, that he felt like he had evolved into a younger version of the Patriots great in terms of work ethic, and being a mentor to the younger players.

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones is shown prior to a game on Jan. 1 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots have taken a step toward maintaining some stability in their secondary, agreeing to terms on a new contract to retain free agent Jones.