Cornerback Byron Jones is the third member of the Cowboys to place inside the top 10 of this list. Fans take umbrage with the lack of turnovers he’s produced in his time in Dallas (zero in the last two seasons and just two in his five-year career) but aside from that, he plays his position as well as any in the league.
His durability is astounding, missing only one game in his tenure. For those doubting his toughness, here’s a quick reminder of the time he popped his knee back into place mid-game.
9. CB Byron Jones
A move to cornerback rejuvenated Jones’ career in 2018, as he showed that he could play single coverage on the outside at a high level. He finished with the 14th-best coverage grade among corners in 2018 (80.4) before dropping to 21st in 2019 (74.8), but those are extremely valuable numbers as he hits the open market. Many will point to Jones not picking off a pass over the last two years, but his 74.1 coverage grade in single coverage is 11th-best during that time, and he has also shown the ability to match up against tight ends when called upon. Jones brings youth and coverage ability to the open market, making him the top defensive free agent heading into the offseason.
The Cowboys have often been content on keeping late-round selections while other teams have shopped them for veterans who are able to make an impact immediately. In 2019 that changed when they dealt a sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Robert Quinn. Despite his suspension that cost him the first two games of the season, the 29-year-old led the club and notched double digit sacks for the first time since his 2014 campaign. It’s the first time he’ll be able to test the water in free agency, but if the cost is reasonable, he should be a priority re-signing.
53. EDGE Robert Quinn
His career went sideways when he was forced into schemes that asked him to be a stand-up linebacker on the edge, but his 2019 season in Dallas saw him return to some of his better play as a defensive end. This season saw him post 57 total pressures, the best figure he has recorded since that 2013 season.
Two other Cowboys find spots in this top 100 in wide receiver Randall Cobb who comes in at No. 74, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins who ranks No. 87. With head coach Mike McCarthy in the fold, it makes narrative sense to keep his former standout receiver from the Green Bay Packers, but it wouldn’t be shocking if the price is too high as Cobb spent the majority of the season rehabbing his on-field image in Dallas in 2019 after an injury-plagued stretch in Green Bay.
The price for what Collins has given to the Cowboys may be too high. He’s capable of generating quality pass rush from the interior of the defensive line, but coming off perhaps his best year of his career, the soon-to-be 25 year old may be searching for greener money pastures.
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