Marcus Jones reveals possible secret weapon for Patriots vs. NFC teams
Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones believes safety Kevin Byard could be a major help against opponents in the NFC next season.
New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones likes the team's chances against opponents in non-conference play next season thanks to the presence of one of his new teammates. According to WEEI, Jones stated at a press conference on Tuesday that new Patriots safety Kevin Byard gives the Patriots a better chance to defeat their opponents in the NFC next season. ”First off, KB, he brings in a lot of experience back there,” Jones said.
“A guy like that, he’s seen a lot of different offensive schemes as well. So, we’ve been talking about a lot of stuff. We have guys that’s part of the defense that’s helping him out in certain things, and also he knows about different offensive coordinators when it comes down to it, and being a part of that conference in the NFC.
” Byard spent the better part of the last three seasons in the NFC as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 and the Chicago Bears from 2024-2025. The Pennsylvania native led the NFL in interceptions last season with seven, playing largely against some of the best teams in the conference, including the San Francisco 49ers and Eagles. New England will play five games against NFC opponents in 2026.
Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III is the only starter in New England’s secondary who has an abundance of experience playing in the NFC, having spent his first six seasons in the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2018-2023, followed by the Detroit Lions in 2024. Byard will give the Patriots another defensive back who is acclimated to the offensive schemes that the best teams in the NFC employ. He approaches his 11th season in the NFL in 2026.