Dolphins Sign Former Cowboy Byron Jones to Deal Making Him Highest-Paid CB in NFL
By Mark Powell
Given the high price tag of lesser cornerbacks thus far in NFL Free Agency, there was no possible way the Dallas Cowboys could bring back Byron Jones.
Jones set the precedent as the best cornerback on the market, and the Miami Dolphins paid him as such.
Byron Jones to the Dolphins ?
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 16, 2020
Miami and former Cowboys CB agree to deal that will make him the highest-paid corner, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/2w3GtEIIFz
The highest-paid CB in football had previously been Dolphins CB Xavien Howard, who makes just a tick over $15 million per season. Despite this, Miami still had cap space to play with, and every intention of drafting a quarterback rather than signing one of the high-priced older options available in free agency. This allows them the ability to allot more money to skill positions and defense as they rebuild on the fly. Jones, of course, plays a major role in such a process.
Source: The #Dolphins are getting #Cowboys FA CB Byron Jones. A massive deal for the now highest-paid corner.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
The amount of money the Dolphins are committing to their defensive backfield is staggering, but it's a position that must be a strong suit in the modern NFL, which is primarily a quarterback-driven league.
If Tom Brady does in fact leave the Patriots, which is suddenly more likely than ever, the Dolphins could play more of a role in the AFC East than any of us expected.