We know the Indianapolis Colts aren’t privy on splurging in free agency but a cornerback that could truly help them in Byron Jones could be on his way to the available market.
If Jones hits the market, it won’t be because the Dallas Cowboys don’t believe in his talent. Instead, he’s trending toward being an odd man out because of the priorities the Cowboys have in re-signing quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Despite being a talented cover corner, Jones is expected to hit the market, per Michael Gehlkin of The Dallas Morning News.
Meanwhile, as has seemed clear for some time, the tone surrounding Byron Jones very much indicates he is the odd man out. The Cowboys drafted the uber-athletic defensive back in the 2015 first round, dabbling him at safety and cornerback before he finally stuck in 2018 at the latter.
The Colts have a need at the cornerback position and while it isn’t one of the top priorities this offseason, Jones would be a nice fit. Working with a familiar face in Matt Eberflus, Jones should be a player the Colts consider heavily in free agency.
The biggest issue with realistically pinning Jones as a Colts’ target is his expected price. Despite recording only two interceptions over the last five seasons, Jones could see a contract worth anywhere between $14–$15 million annually, per Spotrac.
The Colts have some youthful talent in the cornerback room with Rock Ya-Sin emerging and Kenny Moore solidifying his status as a top slot corner. Adding a talent like Jones would give the Colts three above-average cornerbacks in the room.
Jones would bring both athleticism and a scheme fit to the Colts in free agency, but Chris Ballard hasn’t shown a desire to spend highly.
Regardless, it seems Jones will be hitting the market.
