The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of refining their roster for the upcoming NFL season, and the recent release of a certain cornerback presents a potential opportunity to bolster their secondary.
CB Jack Jones, who was waived after the Las Vegas Raiders’ unsuccessful attempts to trade him, is now an unrestricted free agent and could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ defense.
Jack’s NFL Journey
Jack Jones entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 draft.
During his rookie season, he showcased his playmaking abilities by recording two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, along with 30 tackles and a forced fumble.
However, his tenure with the Patriots was marred by off-field issues, including a June 2023 arrest for attempting to bring firearms onto a plane.
Although he agreed to serve one year of probation and 48 hours of community service, this incident, coupled with reported curfew violations, led to his release from the Patriots in November 2023.
The Las Vegas Raiders promptly claimed Jones off waivers, reuniting him with interim coach Antonio Pierce, who had previously coached him at both the high school and collegiate levels.
In the 2024 season, Jones started 16 of 17 games for the Raiders, amassing three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 16 passes defended, and 69 combined tackles.
Despite this productive season, the Raiders opted to release him in April 2025 after failing to find a trade partner.
Trouble at Cornerback
The Cowboys’ secondary has faced challenges, particularly with injuries affecting key players. CB Trevon Diggs, for instance, is recovering from a significant knee surgery, casting uncertainty over his readiness for the upcoming season.
Additionally, Jourdan Lewis, a staple in the slot for the Cowboys’ defense since 2017, has moved on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In response to Diggs’ injury and Lewis’ departure , the Cowboys have been proactive in addressing their cornerback depth.
They recently acquired Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for draft picks.
Elam, who had a limited role with the Bills, is expected to compete for snaps and provide depth behind Diggs and DaRon Bland, likely starting the season in place of the former.
How Does Jack Jones Fit?
Integrating Jack Jones into the Cowboys’ defensive scheme could offer several advantages:
He’s a Playmaker
Jones has demonstrated a knack for creating turnovers, with multiple interceptions and defensive touchdowns in his early NFL career.
This aligns with the Cowboys’ emphasis on a ball-hawking secondary.
He’s Versatile
Having played under various defensive systems with the Patriots and Raiders, Jones brings adaptability that could be valuable in the Cowboys’ defensive schemes.
Jones has played for defensive coordinators Bill Belichick and Patrick Graham.
Creating Competition
With the current uncertainties surrounding the cornerback position, adding Jones would enhance depth and foster healthy competition during training camp, potentially elevating the overall performance of the secondary.
This includes increased competition for young cornerbacks like Caelen Carson and Kaiir Elam.
Will They Pull the Trigger?
While Jones’ on-field talents are evident, the Cowboys must weigh his off-field history, including previous legal issues and team violations.
The team’s culture and leadership structure would need to support his integration to ensure a positive contribution.
Dallas has shown the ability to take players with off-field issues and foster a healthy environment for them to thrive in.
It doesn’t always work (see Randy Gregory), but it has worked often enough to give Jack Jones a chance.
Given the current state of the Cowboys’ secondary and the potential upside of acquiring a player of Jones’ caliber, pursuing him could be a strategic move.
If the coaching staff and front office are confident in their ability to manage and mentor Jones effectively, he could emerge as a valuable asset in fortifying the Cowboys’ defense for 2025.