Former Cowboys first-rounder Byron Jones reveals devastating results of NFL career

Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, former Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick Byron Jones sparked speculation about his future in the league while sending a message of warning to this year’s draft class. Jones, now on the chopping block due to his 2023 cap hit for the Dolphins, revealed he can’t run or jump because of injuries sustained during his eight-year career.

“Much has changed in 8 years,” Jones wrote in a reply to an NFL post about his record-breaking 12-foot-3 broad jump from the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. “Today I can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game. DO NOT take the pulls 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.”

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.

— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) February 25, 2023

“It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee,” Jones continued in another tweet. “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.”

Throughout his career, Jones has dealt with knee issues, as well as ankle and Achilles injuries. He did not play in 2022 and was on the Dolphins’ PUP list.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins cornerback’s post was not a retirement announcement. Retiring would potentially cost the former UConn star $4.2 million from his signing bonus from 2020. However, if he cannot play, Miami will cut him at their expense.

Jones’ NFL career coming to a close

Jones’ current contract includes $14.8 million in dead cap money for 2023. If the Dolphins cut Jones after June 1, it would cost them $4.75 million this year. It would also cost an additional $10.05 million in 2024.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Miami converted $13.255 million of Jones’ 2022 contract into a signing bonus, creating $10.604 million in extra space.

A former Dallas Cowboys defender, Jones spent the first five seasons of his career with the franchise. After the conclusion of the 2019 season, he signed a five-year, $82 million deal with the Dolphins that made him the highest-paid corner in the league at the time.

In the following two seasons, Jones compiled 95 tackles, two interceptions and 14 passes defended over 30 starts in Miami.