Jones had played in every World Championship since 2005, but failed to qualify for the 2016 edition as he had dropped outside the last 32 on the Order of Merit, failed to win enough money on the Pro Tour and lost in the quarter-finals of the qualifier. A fifth successive second round exit in the UK Open occurred after he lost 6–5 to Andy Jenkins. His first quarter-final since 2013 came at the seventh Players Championship courtesy of defeating Ross Smith 6–1, Simon Whitlock 6–3, Vincent van der Voort 6–0 and Ian White 6–1. However, Jones lost 6–2 to Dave Chisnall. Jones dropped out of the top 64 during the year and played in Q School to try and earn a new Tour Card. He reached the last 32 on the third day, but over the course of event he did not win enough points and will not be able to play in the full schedule of PDC events in 2017.