The Miami Dolphins figured to be big spenders this offseason, and it seems they are putting the money to good use. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins have come to an agreement with cornerback Byron Jones.
Source: The #Dolphins are getting #Cowboys FA CB Byron Jones. A massive deal for the now highest-paid corner.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
The Dallas Cowboys have been fixated on getting long-term deals done with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. As a result, Jones became the odd-man-out for the Cowboys and immediately became a coveted option in free agency.
Now, the Dolphins are adding the best cornerback in free agency to a secondary that already features Xavien Howard. While the specific of Jones' contract haven't been revealed, Rapoport reported that it is at least $17 million annually.
This deal is large. Sounds like $17M a year or more. https://t.co/GcOHaD24By
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Shortly before Jones agreed to a deal with Miami, James Bradberry signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the New York Giants. But after Bradberry's lucrative deal, Jones now becomes the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
Just two years ago, Jones made the transition to cornerback after spending his first three seasons at free safety. In his two years playing cornerback, Jones has tallied 113 tackles and 20 deflections. Despite not having an interception since 2017, Jones has been the definition of a shutdown cornerback.
For the Dolphins, signing Jones is a massive addition for the 26th ranked pass defense in the NFL from a season ago. Also, being able to lure Jones in free agency is a positive sign for a team attempting to complete a rebuild.
Following Jones and Bradberry, the next domino to fall in free agency at the cornerback position is Chris Harris Jr. Even though Harris won't command $17 million a year, Jones has now reset the market at cornerback moving forward.
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