Free Agent Watch: Cowboys CB Byron Jones makes perfect sense for Eagles
13 February 2020 Uncategorized
The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a very crucial offseason. Winning the division and making the playoffs are great, but now, it’s time to make the next step yet again.
Looking at the Eagles roster, they’re set up very nicely. Injuries definitely hurt them and getting younger and healthy again will be a premium for the Eagles next season: However, if you’re going to nitpick the Eagles team, you’ll see there’s a glaring need at cornerback. They’ve been trying to address this issue through the free agency and draft the last few season to no prevail.
Adding players like Ronald Darby in a trade from the Buffalo Bills and securing what was a top ten talent in Sidney Jones were moves that seemed amazing at the time, but just didn’t work out. Luckily for the Eagles, they’ll have a chance to add a premier cornerback in free agency this season.
This is the first time this has been said here but with all that being said above, the Eagles need to target Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones. It’s unlikely he’ll resign in Dallas making him a hot commodity this offseason. He’s going to demand around $10-12 million and for the Eagles, he’ll be worth it.
Usually, scheme fit is a concern and you don’t want to pay for someone who doesn’t fit your scheme. But, not only does Jones fit what the Eagles do, he’s also a rare player who doesn’t play to a particular scheme. And, he’s versatile, he can play safety as he’s done before in this league. He can man defend almost anyone in the league as well.
He’s wasn’t targeted a bunch of times so that’s why last season he had zero interceptions and just 34 completions against on 64 targets for 395 yards and three touchdowns. He doesn’t concede any big plays, quarterbacks have to earn it when throwing on him.
This past season, quarterbacks had a QBR of 87.7 when throwing Jones’ way. And, what’s even better, he missed just one tackle. That’s compared to the Eagles secondary which you felt gave up at least a few missed tackles a game.
It makes perfect sense for the Eagles to acquire Jones when he hits the market. We know it’s being reported the interest is there. At just 27 years old, Jones has the possibility of being a stable in the Eagles defense for years to come.
We don’t know who’ll be in the Eagles secondary next season, but we do know to expect some new faces. For now, think about pairing Jones with Avonte Maddox and Cre’Von LeBlanc in the slot. That leaves Rasul Douglas, a rookie or two and Sidney Jones as your depth. That wouldn’t be too bad at all.
Obviously, adding a talent like Jones would be a big boost for the Eagles. It practically takes care of one side of the defense completely. It’s a move that makes a ton of sense for the Eagles.
Photo Credit: Paul Sancya/AP