Dolphins should contemplate future with Byron Jones as CB remains on PUP list
Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and will not return to practice this week, according to coach Mike McDaniel.
“Nothing’s changed with Byron,” McDaniel said during a press conference on Monday. “We’ll continue to be hopeful and optimistic.
When asked to clarify if he meant he was optimistic about Jones returning this season, McDaniel said yes.
“I'm generally just a hopeful, optimistic person,” he said. “But yeah, specifically, (I'm) hoping and being optimistic towards his play.”
Jones has been on the PUP list the entire season after undergoing ankle surgery in the offseason.
McDaniel said in August that Jones would play Week 1 barring a setback, but he has yet to see the field, even for practice.
His absence has been felt, as the Dolphins' secondary has not played at the same level it did over the previous two years.
Xavien Howard — who recorded 15 interceptions over the previous two seasons — has yet to pick off a pass in 2022 while allowing 454 yards in nine games.
Nik Needham and Brandon Jones both suffered season-ending injuries, and Keion Crossen is dealing with a shoulder injury.
In two seasons with Miami, Byron Jones has two interceptions — both in 2020 — and 14 pass breakups.
Byron Jones signed a five-year deal with the Dolphins worth $82.5 million in 2020 after spending the first four years of his career with the Dolphins.
Despite the struggles on defense, Miami is 7-3 and in first place in the AFC East.
The Dolphins have been able to win without Byron Jones, so it might be time for them to consider moving on, and the team has an out after this season.
A post-June 1 release would result in a dead cap hit of $4.75 million and a savings of $14.1 million in 2023, with similar numbers in 2024, according to Over The Cap.
Such a move would make sense, especially as a contract extension for Tua Tagovailoa could happen in the near future and Tyreek Hill is due $31.2 million in 2023.
Miami has also made big investments on the defensive line after trading for and extending Bradley Chubb and re-signing Emmanuel Ogbah Before the season.
A cheaper replacement for Byron Jones may already be on the roster, with undrafted rookie Kader Kohou playing a large role this season.
Additionally, Trill Williams emerged as a potential starter in training camp before suffering a torn ACL in a preseason game.
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