Let the free agency rumors begin.
The Cowboys roster is littered with big time free agents this offseason, spanning from quarterback Dak Prescott to wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Cornerback Byron Jones, however, may be the odd man out in Dallas when it’s all said and done. And if that’s the case it’ll be to the benefit of some other team.
Cecil Lammey of Denver’s 104.3 The Fan is reporting that Byron Jones may be the Broncos top target come free agency in March, as they look to fill the hole Aqib Talib’s departure opened a few seasons ago.
#Broncos Reportedly Poised to Make #Cowboys' CB Byron Jones 'Top Target' in Free Agency (H/T: @CecilLammey)https://t.co/Yf6YMQYN67 pic.twitter.com/T3csXNJMUR
— Mile High Huddle (@MileHighHuddle) February 13, 2020
The fit for the Broncos makes a lot of sense. Byron Jones is a long cornerback with excellent man coverage skills, fitting right into Vic Fangio’s prototype for the position. Plus, the Broncos could lose free agent Chris Harris Jr. to free agency themselves, further pushing cornerback to the top of their offseason wishlist.
His athleticism, football IQ, and overall coverage ability make Jones one of the best cornerbacks in the league. And he’ll certainly be at the top of more lists than just that of the Broncos.
What the Cowboys decide to do with Byron Jones will be key to their success in 2020 and beyond. Jones is a franchise cornerback in my mind, someone I would not hesitate paying market value to retain. He’s broken out since he’s been moved to cornerback full time, and was the tight end eraser from the safety position earlier in his career.
Comments from Will McClay earlier this offseason suggest this is not the way the team thinks, though. It seems likely Byron Jones will be playing elsewhere in 2020, and Denver would be a logical spot for the former second team All Pro.
