The Dallas Cowboys have either begun, want to begin, or have worked out extensions with their promising young core. 26-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Jones may not be on the list of extensions done or contemplated.
Dallas has yet to start contract negotiations with Jones, as Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 1053 The Fan on Monday. He said on the matter, via Jon Machota of The Athletic:
“We haven’t started yet and he hasn’t approached us. Obviously Byron is the type of player you want to keep around here.”
Jones is on the final year of his rookie deal. After successfully switching from safety to cornerback in 2018, he's bound to get paid by somebody soon. But will it be the Cowboys?
Though Cowboys brass wants to keep Jones around, they may not have the flexibility to do that.
By extending running back Ezekiel Elliot, linebacker Jaylon Smith, right tackle La'el Collins and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, Dallas has committed $309 million in future cap space, including nearly $200 million guaranteed. That's four players. They still have work to do, including extending quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper. The former's contract may be record-breaking.
Dallas also must continue to pay an expensive offensive line. The group, dubbed “The Great Wall of Dallas,” is an integral part of their success. Where does that leave money for a young, star cornerback?
The Cowboys may be forced to watch Jones walk away after the 2019 season. Or, they can franchise tag him, which would tie up whatever cap space they have left after the Prescott and Cooper extensions.
Follow Us
Subscribe