Dallas Cowboys: Post-Christmas Wish List

The Cowboys re-sign Byron Jones

Mathematically speaking, the Cowboys need at least one cornerback in the upcoming draft. With nickel cornerback Anthony Brown‘s future unclear and Chidobe Awuzie‘s playing time up for debate, the Cowboys have a clear need for a cornerback in a cornerback heavy draft.

This number would increase should Jones depart somewhere else this free agency. Based on market value, he should demand roughly $15 m/year if not more. The Cowboys are projected to have $85m in cap space next year, which seems like enough.

However, the Cowboys also have these players looking to sign new contracts: QB Dak Prescott, WR Amari Cooper, DE Robert Quinn, DL Michael Bennett, DL Maliek Collins, TE Blake Jarwin, and WR Randall Cobb. While the money seems plentiful now, $15-16 million for Jones will be harder to complete, especially if people undeserving of contracts earn another one.

The defensive backfield has not taken the next step like they were expected to and it has shown as the Cowboys have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The team does not disguise their looks, they don’t play the ball well, and as of late have looked really disinterested in playing.

Amidst all this mess, Jones has been able to hold his own against some of the best receivers in the league. While Jones is not much of a turnover machine, he is extremely physical at the line and is able to matchup against the best because of his athleticism. (Jones has had one interception in the last three seasons)

The price seems steep for a corner who lacks ball production, but with the Cowboys needing a cornerback, it would help the team to have an established lock-down corner available on one side while the team looks for a replacement on the other side of the field. On a defense that has lack consistency, Jones has been one of a few consistent corners the last two seasons.