Dolphins’ Byron Jones to be Released, 13.6 Million Saved by Miami
The Miami Dolphins will be moving on from defensive back Byron Jones after three seasons. A first round pick in 2015, Jones has not produced in the way many thought he would in Miami. Jones signed a five-year, 82 million dollar contract with the Dolphins in 2020. Making him at the time, the highest paid defensive back in the league. Miami is currently 16.5 million dollars above the salary cap. Releasing Jones will save Miami 13.6 million dollars against the team’s salary cap in 2023. With issues still lingering from an injury that sidelined Byron Jones for the entire 2022 season, it was time for the Dolphins to move on.
Dolphins’ defensive back Byron Jones underwent surgery on his Achilles during the 2022 offseason. The Achilles reportedly was not torn but inhibiting Jones’ movement. The surgery did not go as planned and likely made the issues worse. Jones indicated in a tweet that he is currently unable to run or jump because of his injuries. Now going into his ninth year in the league, Jones has not indicated that he wants to retire. The question does remain whether or not he will ever be healthy enough to regain his pro-bowl form.
Future Outlook for Miami and Jones
Jones sat on the sideline as the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Miami has also seen Xavien Howard mature into one of the league’s best defensive backs over the last few seasons. Miami’s defense struggled throughout the 2022 season in most categories. Beginning improvement would be difficult if the high-priced Byron Jones was still on the Dolphins’ roster. Jones also did not play as well in Miami as he did in Dallas. Jones likely is still good enough to have a spot on an NFL roster. The expectations of him playing at his former pro-bowl caliber level are not likely given the circumstances.
