The Philadelphia Eagles covet Byron Jones and appear prepared to break the bank for his services but a question has to be asked, how much is too much?
The Eagles have been in on Jones from the start of conversations about free agency but it appears the New York Giants would like to make a big splash and secure his services as well.
Pro Football Network is reporting that the Eagles are the favorites to land Jones, but they’ll have to outbid the Giants for his services.
Throughout the week of the NFL Combine, everything I heard pointed to the Philadelphia Eagles being the favorite for CB Byron Jones. Then late in the weekend, someone told me to “expect the Eagles and New York Giants to get into a bidding war for Jones.” As I reported last week – Jones is going to make a lot of money and he’ll be able to pick the team he wants to play for.
Last season according to Pro Football Focus, Jones had an overall grade of 76.1 (14th among cornerbacks) a 74.8 grade in coverage and a 94.1 passer rating against.
In 2019, on 53 targets, Jones allowed 30 catches for a 56.6 completion percentage allowed. What you won’t see here is Jones giving up deep balls or 70-yard slants for a touchdown.
The Eagles will have options with Jones, James Bradberry, Chris Harris and Logan Ryan all available, but it’s the Cowboys star that Philadelphia brass clearly wants.
But at what price?
Jones reportedly will demand upwards of $16 million per season as he looks to reset the market. Will the Eagles, Giants, and another suitor be willing to pay that price for a player who’s a shutdown style corner, but doesn’t turn the ball over?
We are a week away from finding out.