Potential retirement could stop Cowboys reunion with former first-round pick

The Dallas Cowboys’ chances of reuniting with their former first-round pick have now decreased significantly due to potential retirement.

The Dallas Cowboys are entering another offseason in which they failed to reach the Super Bowl and NFC Championship Game. With players hitting free agency, there could be an opportunity for the team to bring in some new, big-name players. One name that was hinted as a potential cut candidate is Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones, the Cowboys’ 2015 first-round selection.

On Saturday, the NFL’s official Twitter account sent out a video of Jones’ record-breaking broad jump at the Scouting Combine. Jones responded in a tweet, saying that eight years after that combine, he “can’t run or jump,” due to the injuries he suffered in his career,  while also sending out a warning about the league’s medical staff. Perhaps the most eye-opening thing about his tweets is that he refers to his playing career in the past tense.

Former Cowboys first-round pick Byron Jones hints at retirement

Much has changed in 8 years. Today I can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game. DO NOT take the pills they give you. DO NOT take the injections they give you. If you absolutely must, consult an outside doctor to learn the long-term implications,” writes Jones.

“It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee. In my opinion, no amount of professional success or financial gain is worth avoidable chronic pain and disabilities. Godspeed to the draft class of 2023.”

While this does read like a player who is retiring, a source told ESPN that Jones is not retiring.

Jones notably missed the entire 2022 season with the Dolphins after undergoing surgery on his left Achilles tendon.

After an impressive showing at the combine, Jones was selected by the Cowboys with the 27th overall pick out of UConn. His 2018 season with the Cowboys saw him get elected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, after he recorded 67 combined tackles (56 solo, 11 assisted), and14 passes defensed.

In 2020, Jones became an unrestricted free agent, where he signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Dolphins. He played 30 games in his first two seasons in Miami.

Jones’ status will be worth monitoring, especially after the tweets he sent out on Saturday.