Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Truman Jones

The New England Patriots opened up a practice squad spot on Tuesday by releasing offensive guard Michael Jordan. The Patriots chose to fill the opening with some potential pass-rush help. New England signed edge defender Truman Jones.

Get to know the newest member of the Patriots.

Meet Truman Jones

Jones was not recruited heavily coming out of Westminster School in Atlanta, Ga. He held offers from Maryland, in addition to several Ivy League schools. This was likely due to his slender 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. He was an All-American lacrosse player and a member of the National Honor Society. Jones opted to take his talents to Harvard University.

After playing in three games as a freshman in 2018, Jones became a key contributor to the Harvard defense in 2019. Despite playing only seven games, Jones finished second in the Ivy League with 6.5 sacks. With his star on the rise, Jones was named to the preseason first-team All-Ivy League team in 2020. However, the season was canceled due to COVID. Jones saw a dip in his numbers during the 2021 season. He played all ten games, finishing with 25 tackles and 2.0 sacks.

Truman Jones saved his best collegiate season for last. He played ten games and registered 40 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and 6.0 sacks. He blocked three kicks. The Harvard captain won the 2022 Asa A. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year.

NFL Career

Jones was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was a member of the West team, which was coached by New England Patriots assistants. This included two coaches still on the staff, Troy Brown and Brian Belichick. Also playing in the game were current Patriot players DeMario Douglas and Titus Leo.

At his Pro Day, Jones displayed excellent athletic ability. He recorded a 37″ vertical jump and 10’2″ broad jump. He ran a 4.68 40-yard dash. Jones had bulked up to 250 pounds during his collegiate years. However, he was still considered somewhat undersized for a defensive end. As a result, he was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Jones following the draft. Despite not making the 53-man roster, he remained on their practice squad throughout the 2023 season, earning a Super Bowl ring. He re-signed with the Chiefs practice squad after final cuts this season and remained there until being released on Nov. 26.

Truman Jones now returns to New England, where he shined as a collegiate star just two years ago. With the New England Patriots needing help with their pass rush, Jones has an opportunity to showcase enough to possibly earn an elevation and make his NFL debut. And if all goes well, he could be sticking around beyond 2024.