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Cowboys expected to pick up Byron Jones’ fifth-year option, report states - Drew Davison
Reports state that the Cowboys have decided to pick up the fifth-year option of their 2015 first-round selection.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to pick up cornerback Byron Jones’ fifth-year option, according to an NFL Media report.
The organization must make the decision by May 3. Jones, who signed a four-year, $8.6 million rookie contract, would make $6.17 million in 2019, according to the NFL Media report.
Jones told the Star-Telegram last week that the organization had not discussed the matter with him, but signs point toward them keeping their 2015 first-round pick around through at least the 2019 season.
Cowboys will reportedly pick up fifth-year option on Byron Jones - Jared Dubin, CBS Sports
Can Jones have a bounce-back season at a new position under new secondaries coach Kris Richard?
The #Cowboys are expected to pick up the fifth-year option for Byron Jones, source said. That should give him $6.17M salary for 2019, one that is guaranteed for injury. The 2015 first-round pick should benefit from a full-time move to corner.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2018
Byron Jones may be changing positions, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be changing teams for a while. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dallas Cowboys plan to pick up the fifth-year option on Jones’ rookie contract.
The 2017 campaign was likely Jones’ weakest to date, and with new defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Kris Richard coming in, they’ve decided to move him back outside in order to take advantage of the height and length Jones has -- which fits Richard’s vision for cornerbacks, as we saw during his time as a defensive backs coach and later defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
Speaking of Kris Richard, as well as Byron’s move from safety to corner, ESPN’s John Clayton believes that the Cowboys are the only plausible destination if Earl Thomas isn’t in Seattle next season.
On if Seattle will demand a first round pick for Thomas:
“I think they can be talked into something less. I went through all the rosters, and it was really kind of weird because 27 teams were in pretty good shape at the free safety position. That included Dallas which was pretty good with Byron Jones, but now they’re moving him to cornerback so that opened up one spot he could go to. One spot is Arizona but they’re not going to trade him within the division. So really it’s Dallas probably or nothing as far as a trade. So knowing that Dallas would probably prefer to get a wide receiver in the first round now that Dez Bryant is gone, they draft one spot behind Seattle, I think it’s more likely it would be a No. 2, but then what’s added to the No. 2 would probably be the determination if they would be satisfied or not.”
Fornelli has the Cowboys grabbing Rashaan Evans in his most recent mock draft.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama: I’m torn between Evans and a DL in this spot for Dallas. It’d be best-served addressing one of those spots.
As does Silverman of B/R.
19. Dallas Cowboys: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
The Ringer’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft, Version 4.0 - Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Kelly, however, has the Cowboys going wide receiver in round-one.
19. Dallas Cowboys: WR D.J. Moore, Maryland
With Dez Bryant no longer in the picture, the Cowboys need to add some playmaking receivers. Moore is just the type of tool that Dak Prescott could utilize: A standout on “layup throws” like quick slants, curls, digs, and screens, the former Maryland star has extraordinary elusiveness and speed after the catch, and is capable of taking a short pass and turning it into a big gain on any given snap.
Cowboys: How WR St. Brown and DT Hurst could be Day 2 steals - Reid Hanson, SportDFW
What about beyond the first-round, though? Hanson gives two potential Day 2 steals.
Equanimeous St. Brown (E.Q.) is a player that has as high of a ceiling as any pass-catcher in this draft. Instead of health hurting his draft stock, like Hurst, it’s production that’s hurting EQ. After a promising sophomore season that produced 58 receptions for 961 yards and 9 touchdowns, his numbers nosedived, tallying only 33 receptions for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2017.
The 6’5” 203lbs receiver has an obvious size advantage against defensive backs and he uses it well. He has big play speed (4.48 40-time) that he can turn on when running deep routes, crossing routes, or even screen passes. His routes are surprisingly good for a player his size but he still needs to work on consistency.
Cowboys draft 2018: Finding quality offensive linemen for the Cowboys - Michael Sisemore, BTB
Sisemore looks at offensive linemen that the Cowboys can grab this week. Some in the first, some on day two, and some on day three.
Braden Smith, Auburn Tigers
Cowboys fit: He’s a very plus athlete that has the build of a viking with his length and frame. Smith is not afraid to match power with power but there are concerns about his reactionary speed. He is a great drive blocker though with that mauler mentality. The Cowboys aren’t intimidated by guys that may have to learn on the job, Smith would be a nice consolation prize if guard gets away from them in the first two rounds.
Some believe that Vita Vea is the best defensive tackle in this draft class. If he falls to the 19th pick, Brugler says the Cowboys need to run to the podium.
Lots of noise about a wide receiver (Ridley? Sutton? Moore?) and linebacker (LVE? Evans?) at 19, or perhaps even a move for Derwin James. Dane, who are we sleeping on/overlooking as the possible 19th overall pick?
Brugler: DT Vita Vea. The Cowboys really like him and although the organization has steered clear of the position in the 1st round, Vea would help the front-seven. If he is still on the board at 19, it will be tough for Dallas to pass on Vea.m
Brugler also prefers Vea (and Da’Ron Payne) over Maurice Hurst at 19.
Can Maurice Hurst be ruled out at 19?
Brugler: Not ruled out, but the Cowboys have done more work on DTs Vita Vea and Da’Ron Payne. Both are in play at No. 19. Hurst will be off several draft boards around the league due to his heart condition.
Cowboys Quarterback is playing Moneyball - Shane Carter, Inside The Star
The Cowboys have the best value in the league at the quarterback position.
According to Spotrac.com, Dak Prescott’s market value today is around $25 million a year, which would make him among the most paid players in the league. In comparison, Kirk Cousins will be paid the most in the league at $28 million this year, while Aaron Rodgers will make $22 million.
So, the Cowboys quarterback’s market value is among the best in the league.
Cowboys fans everywhere are rooting for him to succeed but year three will be crucial. If he can improve on his play from a year ago and keep winning games, he would likely see his extension happen sometime around his fourth season.