The New York Giants might be using the Dallas Cowboys as a farm system this offseason, as they’re linked to former head coach, Jason Garrett, and cornerback Byron Jones could also be on their possible list.
Jones, who will be a free agent this winter, had a solid season with Dallas, logging 44 total tackles and six passes defended. He didn’t record any interceptions, but opposing quarterbacks didn’t target him frequently in coverage. However, he did allow an 87.7 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, which is a bit higher than I would like. He only allowed a 53.1% completion percentage against him, though, which is a decent number.
With the Giants in need of a starting veteran corner, Jones offers a cheaper option. He holds enough quality to be a serviceable starter opposite DeAndre Baker, but he’s not a No. 1 corner by any means.
Teach tape!!! Byron Jones! ???? pic.twitter.com/pDlKufVgDq
— WeAreDBnation (@WeAreDBNation1) November 30, 2018
Why the New York Giants should have faith in Byron Jones:
While Jones’ statistical totals from 2019 aren’t noteworthy, his past production certainly is. His worst season was last year, by a significant amount, meaning he ‘was’ a quality starter and offers plenty of value for a team in need of a starting corner.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Jones has ideal length, a factor that defensive coordinators seek in cornerbacks. His versatility and ability to slide into a free safety role, if needed, makes him even more valuable.
If GM Dave Gettleman isn’t keen on dumping a ton of money into a cornerback, Jones could be a more conservative option that would still offer substantial value. Paired up with Baker, who had a rough rookie campaign, the Giants could have a much better secondary in 2020. However, they still need to address the free safety position and lock up a slot cornerback. Corey Ballentine struggled last season and cannot be trusted in coverage moving forward, despite any developmental progress.
The Giants have plenty of cap space, and draft picks to address positions of need, so trotting rookies out to hold down the fort cannot be an acceptable scenario any longer.