Redskins free agency head-to-head: Byron Jones vs. James Bradberry

Byron Jones

Team: Dallas Cowboys

Age: Will be 28 in September

Draft Pedigree: Drafted in Round 1, 27th overall in 2015

Production: 79 games, 347 tackles, two interceptions, 43 pass deflections, three forced fumbles

Athletic Profile: 6-foot-0, 205, 76.5-inch wingspan, 4.43 40-yard dash, 44.5-inch vertical, 3.94 short shuttle, 6.78 three-cone, 12-foot-3 broad jump

Byron Jones Scouting Report

The modern NFL is all about separation, so if you want a cornerback with the tools to allow separation as infrequently as possible, then Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones might be the best free agent cornerback in years to fill that role.

Jones’ transcendant athleticism is the first thing that stands out, both on paper and when watching plays of his from 2019. His closing burst, quantified by his historic vertical and broad jump numbers, is absolutely insane, and he has enough size and length to be disruptive at the catch point with his hands. He also knows when to track receivers and when to snap his head around, in order to make a play on the incoming pass.

The pass deflection numbers are solid for Jones, but some will wonder why his interception totals are so low. There isn’t really a specific root cause; Jones isn’t targeted as often as the average defensive back due to his coverage traits, and when he is targeted, he does his job. His athleticism allows him to outpace almost every offensive player he lines up against. Jones is sticky in coverage, and while he can be more aggressive when generating turnovers, he’s a steady presence who succeeds in executing his role. That’s evidenced by his PFF grade of 76.1 in 2019.

Jones is a relatively safe free agent candidate, given his athletic traits, smarts, and pedigree, but there are some questions that come with giving him the bag. Jones is likely to outpace his counterparts financially as well, given his athleticism, as well as the Pro Bowl appearance on his record. Jones is also set to turn 28 in September, giving him just two seasons remaining under 30 years old. Every year counts in the NFL, and it’s fair to wonder if the Redskins would peak just as Jones is regressing.

Jones’ style of play isn’t reckless; he’s smart, fast, and savvy, which goes to suggest that he could potentially play at a relatively high level until 31 or 32. But one can never be certain at the cornerback position, and with Quinton Dunbar himself set to turn 28 in July, the Redskins might be better suited picking a younger player to compliment him. That said, if the Redskins think they can compete for a title in two years, Jones is a player who can surely lock them in. Aside from his timeline, he’s one of the safest blockbuster bets to make in the 2020 free agent class, and he’d provide both top-tier athleticism and versatility for Washington.