Cardinals Add Depth at Cornerback by Signing Jaylon Jones

The Arizona Cardinals have made a move to bolster their cornerback depth, signing former Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Jones. This signing comes after the team spent considerable time addressing their secondary during the 2025 offseason. While the Cardinals had promising performances from young cornerbacks like Garrett Williams and Max Melton last season, the position still had room for improvement.

Jones, who was originally an undrafted free agent, spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Bears. He was known for his speed and athleticism, clocking in at a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. During his rookie season in 2022, he had a productive year with 47 tackles and two pass defenses, showing his potential as a solid contributor in the NFL. However, his playing time significantly decreased in the following seasons. In 2023, Jones played just 14% of the defensive snaps, as his role shifted primarily to special teams, where he saw 335 snaps.

In 2024, Jones’ playing time on defense dropped even further, as he participated in just 76 defensive snaps across eight games. Nonetheless, he continued to contribute on special teams, playing 140 snaps. In his limited action, Jones still managed to contribute with 15 tackles and two pass defenses. While his role was not as significant as his rookie season, he proved to be a dependable presence, especially in special teams situations.

The Cardinals’ decision to sign Jones is a move to add depth to their cornerback room. With the team in the process of rebuilding and developing its roster, adding a player like Jones provides a valuable option. He has experience in the NFL, can contribute on special teams, and could potentially carve out a more significant role in Arizona’s secondary. Additionally, Jones’ familiarity with Kyler Murray, as the two were high school teammates, could help him transition smoothly into the team’s culture.

While the signing may not make waves as a blockbuster move, it is a smart, low-risk addition for the Cardinals. Jones can provide depth, compete for playing time, and contribute on special teams, all of which are crucial to a team that is working toward long-term success. His experience in the league, combined with his athleticism, should make him a solid fit in Arizona’s defensive scheme, providing an extra layer of depth for the Cardinals as they continue to build their roster heading into the 2025 season.