Las Vegas Raiders mock free agency: Byron Jones on the way?

2 of 4

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Byron Jones, defensive back, Cowboys

With the trade of Gareon Conley to the Houston Texans in the middle of last season, cornerback became an area the Raiders would obviously focus on heading into the 2020 offseason.

Trayvon Mullen played solid as a rookie in 2019 and the Raiders re-signed Nevin Lawson to play some kind of role going forward, but with Conley gone and Daryl Worley hitting free agency, this is a position they could undoubtedly emphasize in the 2020 free agent signing period.

Byron Jones is going to have his pick of free agent destinations. He will likely re-set the cornerback market, which is currently north of $15 million average annual salary value (AAV).

Even if Jones is going to re-set the market to somewhere around $17 million per season — which he very well could — I think the Raiders would be wise to bring him in.

Jones is a versatile defensive back who has excelled in the NFL at safety, nickel, and outside corner. He’s been a really tough matchup at outside corner and simply doesn’t allow many passes to be thrown in his direction because he’s constantly blanketing receivers.

The Cowboys are stuck having to let him walk to free agency with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper also hitting the market.

Jones would be an excellent centerpiece of the Raiders’ 2020 free agent haul.

Home/NFL Free Agency