Patriots Notes: Klemm, Jones, McCourty

After weeks of speculation with respect to his future, clarity has arrived in the case of Adrian Klemm. The Oregon associate head coach will not be staying in Eugene as previously expected, and will instead join the Patriots’ staff, reports ESPN’s Pete Thamel (via Twitter).

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The former Patriots o-lineman had been linked to a New England return earlier in the offseason, one in which Bill O’Brien has been hired as their offensive coordinator. That move came as little surprise, given his ties to head coach Bill Belichick and his experience as a play-caller relative to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, the much-maligned tandem which took on a large role in crafting the Patriots’ underwhelming offense in 2022.

Not surprisingly, Thamel notes that Klemm is set to receive a raise upon his return to an NFL sideline. Prior to his stint in Oregon – where the Ducks allowed the fewest sacks in the country this season – Klemm served as the Steelers’ o-line coach. His arrival will likely see Patricia take on a lesser role within that position group, or a different title altogether if he is retained for 2023.

Here are some other Patriots notes:

• Cornerback Jonathan Jones had a strong season in 2022, registering four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. That production came as he transitioned from playing primarily in the slot to on the perimeter, as the team dealt with plenty of roster turnover at the position. It helped the pending free agent’s value, but Jones is hoping to parlay his performance into a new deal in New England. ” I would hope so,” the 29-year-old said, via NBC Sports’ Phil Perry, on the subject of a new contract with the Patriots. “That’s where I’ve spent my career. It’s what I know. It’s what I love. I mean, New England is home for me in that aspect. We’ll see. We’ll see how free agency turns out… and we’ll take it from there.”
• Another key defender for New England, safety Devin McCourty, had a consistent campaign in line with what he has become known for. The 35-year-old started every game in 2022, notching four interceptions and logging over 1,000 defensive snaps for the seventh time in his career. Despite being on the field so long, the former first-rounder required offseason shoulder surgery, notes Thamel’s colleague Mike Reiss. McCourty has four void years remaining on his current deal, leaving his playing future in doubt.