Cowboys losing Byron Jones to AFC’s Dolphins

Dallas is losing their 2015 first-round pick, but he isn’t staying in division.

The Dallas Cowboys knew that they were going to lose at least one of their major stars in 2020 free agency. Even before the NFLPA approved the recent CBA, stripping the club of the outside chance at having two tags at their disposal, they knew. When team representatives met with corner Byron Jones at the scouting combine, it was reported to be an amicable understanding that what Jones could get on the open market would be more than Dallas was willing to spend.

The 2015 first-round pick seemingly has lived up to the forecast, agreeing to terms with the Miami Dolphins for what looks like the largest contract ever awarded a cornerback.

In the midst of their 2019 fire sale, the Dolphins traded their top corner Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers, so they were certainly on the radar as looking to find a top DB who wanted to be in town. Jones, 27, fit the bill, as he was also being pursued by at least the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Cowboys, who also have CB Anthony Brown among their myriad of free agents, will now decide if they want to pursue a corner on the market or turn over their No.1 responsibilities to 2017 second-round pick Chidobe Awuzie. Awuzie is slated to be a free agent in 2021.

One high-priced option for Dallas to consider is already off the market also, as Carolina Panthers FA James Bradberry — who Cowboys Wire identified as a possible replacement for Jones at $15.6 million a year — is reuniting with the GM who drafted him, Dave Gettleman in New York. The Giants are giving the 26-year old a three-year, $15 million deal.

Dallas has been linked with former Denver Broncos’ corner Chris Harris, 30, as a possible replacement.

Jones was also a target for division rivals Philadelphia and Washington, so leaving the division and conference may be of some solace for the loss.

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