FRISCO, Texas _ Scratch cornerback Byron Jones off the list of Dallas Cowboys players up for contract extensions this spring.
More importantly, scratch him from being available for OTAs, minicamp and training camp after Jones underwent hip surgery early this week.
Per a source, it's unlikely that Jones will be ready for the start of training camp in July. And the Cowboys are simply hopeful he will be available for the start of the season.
This is a huge setback for Jones and the Cowboys.
Jones is going into the final year of his contract and will make $6.2 million on the fifth-year option.
He was hoping to sign a long-term contract extension and secure his future with the Cowboys.
Now all bets are off, especially considering he won't be ready until the start of the season.
Can he follow up last season's breakout Pro Bowl campaign in his first year at cornerback with another strong campaign coming off hip surgery?
For the Cowboys, it potentially brings cornerback higher on the pecking order for the upcoming 2019 NFL draft.
It was a consideration anyway, considering that Jones was on the final year of his deal.
But there was a thought they could sign him for the future.
Now, it depends on how he recovers from hip surgery and how he plays in 2019.
And now, the Cowboys may have to cover themselves in the draft with a cornerback for the future.
Anthony Brown, the nickel cornerback who will likely start in Jones' place through training camp the preseason opposite Chido Awuzie, will also be an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season.
