The Arizona Cardinals have bolstered their secondary by signing cornerback Jaylon Jones to a one-year, $1.2 million contract after he was not tendered by the Chicago Bears. Jones, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has made 41 appearances with the Bears, including five starts. He played 76% and 66% of defensive snaps on special teams in the last two seasons but faced challenges, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the latter part of the 2024 season.

This contract includes a $50,000 signing bonus and a $50,000 offseason workout bonus, indicating the team's commitment to enhancing depth and competition within their defensive back unit. Jones is expected to contribute significantly to both the secondary and special teams, adding value to the team's defensive strategies moving forward.

The Arizona Cardinals have officially signed former Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Jones to a one-year contract. Jones, a Texas native, played most of his career on special teams, logging 85 total tackles, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble over three seasons with the Bears. He appeared in just eight games last season due to injury, significantly reducing his defensive snaps while increasing his special teams participation. His path now leads to a competition for a roster spot against teammates such as Kei'Trel Clark, Darren Hall, and Elijah Jones.

The Indianapolis Colts are eyeing a cornerback in the upcoming NFL draft, with Michigan's Will Johnson emerging as a strong candidate for the #14 overall pick. Johnson, a significant contributor at Michigan, showcased his playmaking skills despite a challenging 2024 season marred by injury. He accumulated impressive stats, including 68 tackles and nine interceptions, along with two touchdowns from interceptions this past season.

With Indianapolis' secondary in need of rejuvenation, particularly with JuJu Brents missing much of last season, Johnson's addition could provide a much-needed boost. His ability to defend against the pass is complemented by his strong PFF ratings, making him an enticing option for the Colts' new defensive coach. Investing in a top-tier corner like Johnson aligns with the team's goal of strengthening its defense amid uncertainty regarding current cornerbacks.

The Indianapolis Colts have had a challenging 2024 season, but there are notable internal successes worth highlighting. The organization has focused on developing young talent, which is crucial for their future. While the primary goal of nurturing Anthony Richardson as a franchise quarterback may not have materialized, several other players have stepped up, showcasing their potential as long-term assets.

One standout is Jaylon Jones, who has emerged as a promising starter in the Colts' secondary. After a tough offseason where the cornerback position looked precarious, Jones has risen to the challenge, recording impressive stats in his second year. His performance, marked by 10 pass deflections and two interceptions, has made him a key player for the Colts, earning a high coverage rating from Pro Football Focus.

Similarly, Samuel Womack's acquisition has proven to be a significant boost for the defense. Brought in from the waiver wire, Womack has filled the gap left by an injured teammate and has excelled in the starting role. His statistics reflect his impact, ranking highly among NFL cornerbacks in coverage metrics.

Additionally, Alec Pierce and Nick Cross have made strides in their development, transitioning from average starters to impactful contributors. Pierce, despite injury setbacks, has achieved career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns, while Cross has emerged as a tackling machine, potentially earning Pro Bowl recognition in his first full season as a starter. Lastly, Josh Downs has solidified his status as a reliable offensive threat, showcasing his playmaking abilities even amidst a struggling Colts offense. His consistent performance positions him as a future star for the team.

The Indianapolis Colts have acquired cornerback Ambry Thomas from the San Francisco 49ers after he was waived. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Thomas had a promising start with the 49ers, including five starts in his rookie season and significant contributions during the playoffs.

Despite being on injured reserve since August due to a forearm injury, Thomas's addition comes as the Colts assess their cornerback depth, especially after claiming Samuel Womack III earlier this season. The Colts are evaluating their options with three games left in the season.