Tag: Byron Jones

10 moves that would make for perfect Raiders 2020 free agency

10 moves that would make for perfect Raiders 2020 free agency

Free agency is coming up quick. In a little over a week, teams will be allowed to start negotiating with those free agents they wish to try and sign. The Raiders are expected to be major playing this free-agent period and have approximately $50.3 million in cap space with which to do it.

Here are ten moves that would make for a perfect free agency for the Raiders as I see it.

1. Release Tahir Whitehead

The Raiders should make it a complete overhaul of the linebacking corps. Whitehead has not been up to snuff in his two years in Oakland and freeing up $6.25 million in cap space is far more valuable.

2. Release Zay Jones

A midseason trade acquisition last year, he was barely roster-worthy, and he’s certainly not worth $1.4 million. That money is better spent and the wide receiver unit is another area that needs a lot of new blood.

3. Sign CB Byron Jones

This should be the Raiders’ top priority. He would be a tremendous pickup, solidifying the Raiders’ cornerback group. He’s just 27 years old and was in the Pro Bowl a year ago.

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4. Sign LB Cory Littleton

The Rams have said they don’t plan on using the franchise tag this year. Littleton is the prize of free agency at the linebacker spot. The cool thing about linebackers in free agency is there are a lot of good ones expected to hit the market. So, if the Raiders miss out on Littleton, they should have a lot of good options still to choose from.

5. Sign WR Emmanuel Sanders

Most people are looking at Robby Anderson as the guy the Raiders should go after in free agency. He would add speed and he is young (26), but he is also unproven and is said to be asking for a hefty payday. Sanders is a great route runner who blocks well and still has good speed at 32. The Raiders must be looking for their deep threat in the draft, so a short term free agent receiver like Sanders fits the bill.

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Cowboys News: Outside-the-box Prescott proposal more outside reality

Mock drafts resume as Combine concludes. Prescott contract talk gets hotter, Byron Jones departing but potential replacement in FA emerges

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, mock drafts are adjusting to the new information of which prospects athletically project to power in the move up in competition.

While it seems inevitable Prescott is under center for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, it is still unclear as to who he will be throwing to. A few mock drafts have the Cowboys drafting wide receiver Amari Cooper’s possible replacement. Cooper isn’t the only one potentially departing, as Dallas fans everywhere prepare for life without cornerback Byron Jones. Some say a replacement can be found at the top of the cornerback class in free agency. Mike McCarthy brings some new juice to the Cowboys’ odds of winning the NFC East and even representing the NFC in the 2020 Super Bowl.

With Dak Prescott about to break the bank, here’s why an outside-the-box deal makes sense for both sides :: CBS Sports

This proposed contract for Prescott’s future mega-deal may qualify as malfeasance by his agent. The idea here is for Prescott to sign a 10-year-deal before the cap explodes and he’s left in the dust. With all signs pointing to a general explosion of the salary cap in the next several years, tying Prescott in to prices based on the current market makes little sense.

A Look at Every Team’s Cap Situation Heading into Start of NFL Free Agency :: Bleacher Report

A brief, if albeit incomplete look at where team’s stand in terms of the salary cap heading into the 2020 off-season.

In many respects, the $77 million and change the Dallas Cowboys have in cap space is a mirage. It’s fool’s gold.

Sure, over $75 million is a lot of wiggle room. But a quick look at the Cowboys who could be about to hit free agency causes that pile of money to shrink—quickly.

Report: Raiders expected to pursue cornerback Byron Jones in free agency :: Pro Football Talk

Reports already surfacing of the Philadelphia Eagles getting involved and now the Las Vegas Raiders have joined the party.

Cowboys’ McCarthy to scout Oxnard prior to first training camp :: CowboysWire

McCarthy plans on taking a trip to the Oxnard, California for a day or two to get the feel of where the Cowboys will host training camp for their 2020 season.

Odds to win the NFC East and NFC overall are somewhat favorable to the Dallas Cowboys :: Blogging The Boys

According to BetOnline, the Cowboys find themselves 7/5 to win the NFC East and 9/1 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Cowboys G/C Joe Looney Could be Tough Free Agent to Keep :: Inside The Star

The beloved big man may have some suiters in free agency.

RB Overview: How To Maximize Zeke’s Talent? :: The Mothership

The running backs are up today as DallasCowboys.com continues to break down position by position of players who are under contract for 2020 and how they will be utilized in Mike McCarthy’s system.

Here’s why the Dallas Cowboys must open their wallet and get Dak Prescott’s deal done :: Star-Telegram

Clarence Hill discusses that the talk has to end and Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have to blink first when it comes to quarterback Dak Prescott’s new contract.

Scouting Combine ratings up only three percent :: Pro Football Talk 

Looks like the move to primetime was for naught. Negligible gains in viewership calls into the question the results of having some players not run their 40-yard dashes until late into the night.

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Report: Giants ‘in the mix’ for CB Byron Jones

The New York Giants are expected to prioritize cornerback in free agency and are said to be “in the mix” for Byron Jones.

The New York Giants will reportedly prioritize a veteran cornerback once free agency begins later this month, and it would appear as if Byron Jones will top their list of targets.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that the Giants are “in the mix” for Jones even though they are not legally allowed to discuss a potential contract with he or his representation until March 16 (when the legal tampering window opens).

This is not the first report to surface suggesting the Giants will make a run at Jones. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post had previously reported the same thing.

Smoke, meet fire.

The looming concern is how much Jones will cost, which may be somewhat insignificant to the Giants, who will carry more than $70 million in available cap space into free agency.

Former NFL agent and salary cap expert, Joel Corry, believes Jones will command more than $16 million per season with more than $50 million guaranteed.

“Anything under $16 million per year with fewer than $50 million in overall guarantees would be surprising,” Corry said recently, via CBS Sports. “I doubt he’s back in Dallas. I’ve thought his long-term fate with the Cowboys was sealed when (right tackle) La’el Collins signed a contract extension at the end of last preseason.”

The 27-year-old Jones was a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and went on to earn Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro status in 2018. In 2019, he finished the season with a 76.1 grade courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

In 79 career games, Jones has recorded 349 tackles, 11 stuffs, 43 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and one touchdown.

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News: Byron is bye-bye, mock draft reacts, offseason manifesto begins

Contract talks resume with Dak Prescott. Landing spots for Byron Jones. Mike McCarthy’s draft philosophy.

The Dallas Cowboys are going to lose Byron Jones. It’s not a foregone conclusion, because in the land of NFL contracts anything can happen, but teams are seemingly lining up for the five-year veteran and he walked away from Indianapolis’ scouting combine with the understanding of where Dallas stood financially. It’s not at the top of the corner market. That has a cascading effect, in both free agency and the draft, yet most mocks have yet to catch up to that realization. Touchdown Wire’s post-combine mock has.

In the grander scheme of things, the NFL has a secret the general public hasn’t caught on to, at least those who are complaining about the possibility their favorite team (cough, Dallas) will pay a top star (cough, Dak Prescott) at the top of the market.

Supernova: Cowboys, NFL top salaries set to explode over next decade 

The 2020 Cowboys Offseason Manifesto series at Cowboys Wire is underway. In the first edition, we look into the overall financial landscape of the league. With the NFL pressing the players to agree to a new CBA prior to the season, with 18 months left of negotiating before any games are missed, there has to be a solid reason why.

There is. NFL salaries look to be on the verge of an NBA-style jump. The evidence and what it means is all gathered in one neat package.

Touchdown Wire’s post-combine mock draft: How Indianapolis changed the game

One of the few first-round mock drafts that seems to acknowledge the Cowboys being prepared to lose CB Byron Jones, Florida CB C.J. Henderson makes his way to the stage for Dallas at No. 17.

The Dallas Cowboys have a ton of decisions to make this off-season. How do they handle Dak Prescott? How do they handle Amari Cooper? How do they handle Byron Jones? With it seeming likely that Jones tests the free agency market (and the Philadelphia Eagles seem all too willing to swoop ini with an offer) it is likely the Cowboys need to find a cornerback early in this draft.

They find that in Henderson, the Florida CB. He faced questions this past season about his willingness to stick his nose in against the run, and people have wondered if he made a few “business decisions” last year. But you draft corners to shut down receivers first, and help against the run second.

Henderson can do the first part of the job description, and do it very well. That, plus the 40-time he posted of 4.39, is going to help his draft position. If Dallas has to go corner here — and signs seem to indicate they will need to — Henderson makes a ton of sense.

Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper just pieces of Cowboys’ free agency puzzle:: ESPN 

Dallas might be as busy as any team league-wide when the new league year and free agency start on March 18. There’s a plan in place and there are a few layers to it.

Analyzing Matt Miller’s Post-Combine Mock Draft for the Dallas Cowboys:: Inside The Star 

Javon Kinlaw, Xavier McKinney, and Henry Ruggs III have been linked to the Cowboys with the 17th pick. Who does Matt Miller have at that spot in his latest mock draft after the combine?

Five reasons why Xavier McKinney makes the most sense for the Cowboys first-round pick:: Blogging The Boys 

The safety position has been and will be a huge topic when it comes to the Cowboys until it fully gets solved. Alabama’s Xavier McKinney has been a named linked as much as any to the Cowboys in the first round.

5 things we learned about the Cowboys at the combine: Dak Prescott talks resume, Jerry Jones thinks of Dez Bryant and more:: Dallas Morning News

As usual, the Dallas Cowboys were the talk of the NFL Combine with all the free agency news and potential players they could add in the draft. Also, Jerry Jones admits he thinks of Dez Bryant.

Mailbag: McCarthy, Different Draft Philosophy?:: Dallas Cowboys 

The Cowboys have had the mindset that the best way to build a team is through the draft. New head coach Mike McCarthy could provide a different direction to their plans in that regard.

2020 NFL Draft: Another prominent analyst pushes CeeDee Lamb to the Cowboys in the draft:: Blogging The Boys 

Most mock drafts have the Cowboys going defense in the first round. Now, an offensive player gets some shine in the form of Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Cowboys Roundtable: What’s the biggest holdup in Dak Prescott contract negotiations?:: Dallas Morning News

The biggest topic in Dallas these days would have to be when is Dak Prescott getting his new deal? David Moore, Calvin Watkins, and Michael Gehlken breakdown what could be holding up a long-term contract as well as free agency needs and players that need to step in 2020.

What’s Up: Woods’ Role On A Revamped Defense:: Dallas Cowboys 

Xavier Woods has far exceeded expectations as a sixth-round pick in 2017. With new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, will his role change?

Byron Jones to be free agent 2020: Top landing spots, projected contract, lastest updates, rumors and more:: CBS Sports 

The agent of Byron Jones met with the Cowboys at the NFL Combine, and the understanding was that the former All-Pro would hit free agency once the two sides parted. Patrik Walker dives into all the latest surrounding the shutdown corner.

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Jets interested in cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr. and Byron Jones

The Jets are showing interest in both Chris Harris Jr. and Byron Jones.

With the Jets in desperate need of cornerbacks, they’re looking at the cream of the crop of the free agent market.

According to Denver 7’s Troy Renck, the Jets are showing interest in Broncos free agent Chris Harris Jr. However, they do have company with the Cowboys, Raiders, Lions and Texans expressing interest in the former All-Pro.

Additionally, according to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano the Jets are interested in Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones. Jones is seeking at least $15 million per year, but the Jets are not expected to land him. The Eagles are seen as the favorite to sign Jones.

Harris is on the back end of his career at age 30, going on 31. He didn’t have one of his better seasons in 2019 with 44 total tackles, six pass breakups and one interception. However, Harris is still one of the most established corners in the league. He would come a little cheaper than Jones, as he made $12 million from Denver last season.

As for Jones, he’s three years younger than Harris at age 27. In 2019, Jones had 37 total tackles, six pass breakups and one forced fumble.

At this point in their careers, Jones would be the better option than Harris, but he also comes at a steeper price. The Jets haven’t fared well in recent years handing out hefty contracts to free agent cornerbacks. They gave Trumaine Johnson a five-year, $72.5 million deal in 2018. He’s expected to be cut this offseason. In 2015, the Jets signed Darrelle Revis to a five-year, $70 million deal. Revis lasted two seasons.

The Jets are going to have the cap space to sign a premier free agent cornerback, but they might be reluctant to pay a lot of money for one given their other needs. New York would like to come away with at least one offensive lineman in free agency as well as a receiver and possibly an edge rusher.

Report: Giants expected to prioritize cornerback in free agency

Despite their recent investment in the position, the New York Giants are expected to prioritize signing a veteran cornerback in free agency.

The New York Giants will enter free agency with an abundance of needs, including pass rusher, linebacker, safety, wide receiver, running back and cornerback — not necessarily in that order.

With over $70 million in salary cap space and more expected once the cap ceiling is officially set, the Giants should have the wiggle room to do just about anything they want.

But what do they want? What need will they prioritize? Surely it has to be offensive tackle or edge rusher, right? Perhaps not…

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that the Giants are expected to prioritize a veteran cornerback above all else despite their hefty investment into the position over the previous two years.

Expect the Giants to prioritize cornerback in free agency one year after mistakenly failing to do so, sources said.

Even with the possibility Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah will be available at No. 4, the Giants understand the need to add a veteran. There is optimism things clicked for DeAndre Baker – one of three first-round picks in 2019 – late in his rookie season. Other teams are not sure he has NFL cornerback speed.

The Giants’ pitch to free agent Byron Jones could include offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Jones’ head coach with the Cowboys for the last five seasons. James Bradberry (Panthers) is another coveted option.

The Giants have brought in the likes of Sam Beal, DeAndre Baker, Corey Ballentine, Grant Haley and Julian Love in recent years, but lack satisfaction with the unit.

The cornerbacks’ struggles a year ago were obvious to everyone watching, but as the season wound down, it was clear that the entirety of the group had made strides — especially Baker, who started the season off as poorly as one could.

Still, the Giants are clearly uncomfortable with the youth and inexperience at the position and intend to add someone with a longer resume into the fold.

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Eagles expected to be ‘All-In’ on landing Byron Jones in free agency

Philadelphia Eagles expected to be ‘All-In’ landing Byron Jones

The Philadelphia Eagles can hit the jackpot by restocking the wide receiver room via the NFL draft while landing a shut-down corner via free agency.

The Eagles have been mentioned with Byron Jones daily since the end of the regular season, and on Monday the rumor mill continued churning.

Adam Caplan is reporting that the Birds will be all-in on landing Jones during the start of free agency.

“They’re gonna be the first team-up when they’re allowed to talk to the agents,” Caplan said on the latest episode of his podcast Inside The Birds. “The term is, they’ll be all-in, whatever you want to call it.”

Jones has been outstanding over the past two seasons in Dallas, allowing 67 total receptions or 1.5 catches per game and 4 total touchdowns allowed with 20 pass-breakups.

The initial market value for Jones was supposed to be about $16 million but according to Caplan, the Cowboys cornerback could push for $17 million per.

Jones, 27, spent his first five NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after being a first-round pick, 27th overall out of Connecticut.

The Eagles will start out free agency with around $45 million in available cap space.

News: Tony Romo somehow became the symbol of NFL pay issues

Byron Jones is set hit free agency. Dak Prescott to get exclusive tag if no deal is reached. Lastest on Amari Cooper deal

The Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Byron Jones seem to be headed for a divorce as he’s set to hit the open market. Now, the Cowboys will be looking to upgrade at corner, and free agent Darius Slay is a name being thrown around as a possible target in March.

A long-term deal for Dak Prescott is still trying to be worked out, however, it seems he’ll be headed for the exclusive tag if that’s not the case. The lastest on Amari Cooper’s contract situation, one of the nation’s top corners set to visit Dallas, and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas’s comments on Tony Romo’s record-breaking new deal with CBS are all covered in the News and Notes.

Exclusivity: Prescott to get the highest tag, Cowboys avoid insulting stance:: Cowboys Wire

The Cowboys reportedly plan to place the exclusive franchise tag on the franchise quarterback which assures the team Prescott will be a Cowboy in 2020.

Dallas Cowboys Intend to Let Byron Jones Hit Free Agency:: Inside The Star

After meeting with his reps at the combine, it appears both sides are in unison Jones will test the free-agent market once the free agency period begins.

Does this potential trade for the Cowboys actually make sense?:: Blogging The Boys

With the new news about Jones bt, the Cowboys have a huge hole to fill at cornerback. Dallas can either promote from within or, make a trade for another big name cornerback, Detroit’s Darius Slay, that would probably cost a Day 2 draft pick.

Michael Thomas cites new Tony Romo deal in opposition to CBA:: Pro Football Talk

There are some within the league that will be happy for Romo to get his new deal with CBS. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is not one of them. “[T]hat’s why we shouldn’t sign the new CBA agreement no way the announcer should be making more than 90% of the players,”

2020 Cowboys draft prospect: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson:: Blogging The Boys

Jaylon Johnson was the top corner on a Utah Utes defense that finished second in the nation in yards allowed and sixth in scoring. David Howman breaks down how he could be a fit in Dallas.

LSU Safety Grant Delpit To Meet With The Dallas Cowboys:: Inside The Star

The safety position is still one the Dallas Cowboys are trying to get right. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, one of the nation’s top corners will he make his way to Dallas for a visit.

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Byron Jones or James Bradberry: Which CB is the best fit for the Eagles in free agency?

Byron Jones or James Bradberry would be good fit for the Eagles at CB

The Philadelphia Eagles have a pressing need at cornerback and if the team can’t acquire Darius Slay via trade, then the free agency period could provide the next best option.

Byron Jones (Dallas) and James Bradberry (Carolina) are two of the top names set to hit the market and would both guys looking to cash out, the question has to be asked, which cornerback would be the better fit in Philadelphia.

Hoping to avoid another Nnamdi Asomugha disaster, Howie Roseman and company need to secure a strong cornerback, who can flourish and allow the Eagles defense to take the next step.

Jones has already established his desire to reset the cornerback market and according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Bradberry is looking for similar money.

With the Eagles expected to be very active in free agency, here’s a breakdown of what both players bring.

***

Byron Jones

Jones will be hitting his prime when the season starts, turning 28 this coming September. Jones gave up just 5.1 yards per target in 2019, 2nd best among cornerbacks in the NFL and an overall grade from Pro Football Focus, of 76.1.

He may not be an interception machine, but he’s stout in coverage, versatile enough to lockdown wideouts and tight ends.

Jones (6-foot, 205 pounds) only gave up 0.39 yards per coverage snap in press-man last season, the second-lowest rate at his position.  Jones’s ability to take away one part of the field or a man, would finally allow Jim Schwartz to fully utilize his defensive packages, thus making Avonte Maddox, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas even better players.

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Cowboys News Links: Front office meeting with everyone’s reps, salary cap update

Dallas Cowboys news for Friday, February 28, 2020

The scouting combine is in full swing, but so are the discussions about veteran free agents. The Dallas Cowboys are spending their time working with the representatives of their biggest free agents, in hopes of landing deals prior to the opening free agency.

Meanwhile prospects looking to make a name for themselves continue working towards their goal of being drafted in April. The salary cap got a big forecast for 2021 and an expected one for 2020, and it all ties together as teams try to make their plans for the coming league year.

Where Things Stand with Jason Witten Situation :: The Mothership

Jason Witten is set to become a free agent March 18th if he doesn’t reach a new deal with the Cowboys. For most Cowboy fans the thought of Witten with anything but a star on his helmet is despicable, but sadly it’s a potential reality. Cowboys staff writer Nick Eatman has the latest on the Cowboys legend.

Cowboys meeting with Byron Jones’ representation today :: NBCSports

If you’ve been following the headlines, you may know that the writing on the wall says Byron Jones returning to Dallas is improbable, especially if a transition tag is removed from the Cowboys toolbox. ProFootballTalk has the update on the latest meeting between the two sides and what Jerry Jones had to say on the topic.

Cowboys Eye: Winners and Losers from Day 1 of 2020 Combine drills :: CowboysWire

While the biggest impressions might be made off-the-field, the on-field workouts can really help a player rise in the draft. Learn more about tight-ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers who helped themselves out after Day 1 of the combine.

No Ring of Honor for Jimmy Johnson in 2020 :: The Mothership

One of the best stories of the last year was the HOF announcement for former Cowboys Super Bowl winning coach Jimmy Johnson. Surprisingly, Johnson isn’t yet in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Read what Jerry had to say regarding the situation, including a comparison to the great Tom Landry.

Diggs, Winfield, taking advantage of family ties to the NFL :: ReviewJournal

Trevon Diggs and Antoine Winfield Jr. will always be in the shadow of their NFL family members in some way, but read how these potential Cowboys draft prospects have made big names for themselves.

NFLPA not sure when CBA ballots will go out to players :: ProFootballTalk

All eyes of the football world on are the CBA, currently. The details and the timing of the agreement can change a number of things for NFL teams this offseason, including the number of tag’s available to use on free agents, something that could be huge for Dallas.

NFL expects huge cash influx from next wave of TV deals, if they’re done soon :: NBCSports

The addition of a 17th regular season game in the proposed CBA would be completely new for NFL teams and players. It’s understandable that the players have pushed back against plating this extra game, but ProFootballTalk of NBCSports broke down the financial ramifications of an extra game, and how that might impact the player’s willingness to sign the CBA.

Cowboys Announce “Huddle for 100” Heroes :: The Mothership

The Dallas Cowboys, along with the rest of the NFL, have always done a great job of giving back through charities. To celebrate 100 years of the NFL, fans all over the country were encouraged to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to various charitable programs. The results were stunning, as Cowboys fans alone volunteered over 26 million minutes.

2020 Cowboys draft prospect: Cornerback Kristian Fulton :: Blogging The Boys

As mentioned earlier, Byron Jones is a huge free agent decision in Dallas. If he is not retained, secondary, or more specially cornerback, may just be the Cowboys’ biggest need. Get to know a potential prospect at the position.

Salary cap expected to reach $200M in 2020, Cowboys with $77M in space :: CowboysWire 

With a plethora of talented free agents in Dallas, an increase in the salary cap could be very beneficial to the Cowboys. Continue reading to see how the cap projection effects dallas, and why the salary cap might not be done moving.

Mike McCarthy wants to draft the best available player :: TheLandryHat

Jerry Jones revealed to the media Mike McCarthy’s simple, yet not always predictable strategy: draft the best player available. McCarthy doesn’t want fit to get in the way of Dallas acquiring the best prospect.

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