Byron Jones Rumors: Raiders, Eagles, Dolphins, Jets Interested in Cowboys FA DB
March 16, 2020
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Byron Jones reportedly is drawing free-agency interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and NFC East rivals Philadelphia Eagles.
According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, all four teams have discussed the 2018 Pro Bowler:
The 27-year-old made the switch from safety to cornerback before the 2018 season and unlocked his full potential as an athletic cover-man who can stick with just about any receiver.
His stats won't jump off the page―he has no interceptions over the last two season and only made 46 combined tackles in 2019―but that comes in large part because teams chose not to test him:
CBS' Joel Corry believes the former Connecticut standout and first-round draft choice will be rewarded for his efforts with a contract estimate of $85 million over five years. At $17 million per year, he would become the highest-paid player at the position, beating the $15.05 million per year the Dolphins are giving Xavien Howard.
According to these latest reports, Miami could splash the cash on another corner, possibly sinking over $30 million per year in the position. Despite the presence of Howard, the Dolphins gave up 4,198 passing yards, ranking among the worst in the league.
AFC East rivals New York were ranked 17th with 3,779 yards conceded through the air, narrowly beating out the Eagles, with 3,865. Both teams could take a major step forward into the elite tier by adding one of the best cover corners in the league, capable of blanking his side of the field.
The Raiders came in at 25th, one spot ahead of Miami, with 4,107 passing yards conceded.