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More than five years after his viral combine performance, former UConn defensive back Byron Jones has proved he’s more than just a combine darling. In five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Jones amassed almost 350 total tackles and two interceptions and established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs.
So when Jones hit the free agent market, he was expected to get paid, and he certainly did. Less than eight hours into the start of the legal tampering period, Jones and the Miami Dolphins have come to an agreement on a deal that makes the New Britain, Connecticut native the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL according to Ian Rapoport.
Source: The #Dolphins are getting #Cowboys FA CB Byron Jones. A massive deal for the now highest-paid corner.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Shortly after the news broke, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Jones’ deal is worth $82.5 million over five years, with $57 million guaranteed.
Byron Jones’ new contract with the Dolphins will be a five-year, $82.5 million deal, including $57 million guaranteed, per source. It includes $40 million in first two years.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
While a majority of NFL players make much less than their counterparts in the NBA, MLB or NHL, Jones’ mega-deal puts him amongst the NFL’s highest paid players and one of UConn’s wealthiest NFL alumni.
UConn salaries, all time, single season:
— UConn is home (@NoEscalators) March 16, 2020
1) Kemba Walker - $32.7 million
2) Andre Drummond - $27 million
3) George Springer - $21 million
4) Rudy Gay - $19.3 million (14-15)
5) Ray Allen - $18.8 million (09-10)
6) Byron Jones - $17 million+ https://t.co/jasK7BlqEf