CB Help Is on the Way: Dolphins Sign Former Division Rival to One-Year Deal
Help is finally on the way for the Dolphins’ secondary. On Saturday morning, Miami signed cornerback Jack Jones to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move comes in the wake of veteran Artie Burns suffering a torn ACL. Burns, who had also signed a one-year deal with the team, went down earlier this week during training camp. Jones, a former New England Patriot, returns to the AFC East after being released by the team in 2023. Injuries have been a recurring issue for Miami’s defense, especially in the secondary. Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland have both dealt with lingering health concerns over the past year.
Jones managed to stay on the field for 16 games in 2024, recording 67 tackles, three interceptions, and 16 passes defended. However, he posted a 53.9 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 166th among cornerbacks. Jones' career has not been without controversy. In 2023, while still with the Patriots, he was arrested for attempting to bring two loaded firearms through TSA at Boston Logan International Airport. He later accepted a plea deal that dropped the charges in exchange for one year of pretrial probation and community service. That same season, Jones was disciplined by New England for reportedly showing up late to the team hotel and displaying a poor attitude, a situation that ultimately led to his release. He signed with the Raiders later that year and reportedly maintained a clean record before being released after the two sides failed to find a trade partner.
Jones is expected to immediately compete for a starting role in a Dolphins cornerback room in need of depth. Miami has also remained interested in veteran Rasul Douglas, per Josina Anderson. The team has made another contract offer to Douglas, who spent last season with the Packers and Bills. The Dolphins currently have around one million dollars in cap space, meaning any additional moves may require contract restructures or signings at the league minimum. On Friday, Miami added veteran cornerback Cornell Armstrong to round out the roster following Burns’ injury. If the Dolphins want to return to the playoffs in 2025, staying healthy and continuing to solidify the secondary will be key. Saturday’s signing is a small step in the right direction.
