Jack Jones
Getty
The 49ers have signed cornerback Jack Jones in free agency
After seeing their last two seasons get thrown into disarray due to injuries, the San Francisco 49ers have made it a goal of theirs to reinforce their depth this offseason. Even with the front office focusing on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the Niners have continued to make additions to their roster through free agency.
That continued on Friday night, with San Fran quickly moving to replace Chase Lucas at the cornerback position after he departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the open market. The Niners turned their attention to former Miami Dolphins corner Jack Jones, who has suddenly found his way to the 49ers.
49ers Sign Jack Jones to 1-Year Contract
Adam Schefter
Dolphins free agent cornerback Jack Jones is signing a one-year deal with the 49ers, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Jones initially broke into the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft with the New England Patriots. A talented ballhawk, Jones flashed his potential early on in his tenure with the Pats, but his momentum was continually disrupted by a slew of off-field issues. After getting benched midway through the 2023 campaign, he was waived, with the Las Vegas Raiders quickly scooping him up.
After finishing out the year with the Raiders, Jones earned a starting job for the team in 2024, and he put together a solid season. It wasn’t enough to prevent him from getting released by Las Vegas over the offseason, but he eventually found his way to the Dolphins. Again, Jones became a starter last season, as he racked up 77 tackles, one interception, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles during his time on the field.
With a new regime taking over in Miami, though, it didn’t ever seem too interested in re-signing Jones. The Niners appear to have liked what they saw from Jones last season, though, as it has inked him to a one-year contract, meaning he will join a deep cornerback room that is led by Deommodore Lenior, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout.
“Dolphins free agent cornerback Jack Jones is signing a one-year deal with the 49ers, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in a post on X.
Jack Jones Set to Compete for Backup Cornerback Job with 49ers
Jack Jones
GettyThe 49ers have signed cornerback Jack Jones in free agency
Even with Lucas’ aforementioned departure, it wasn’t like the 49ers were short on depth at this position. Veterans Eli Apple and Nate Hobbs are both in town as backup options, and Darrell Luter Jr. showed his potential during his limited time on the field last year. But as long as San Fran is healthy at cornerback, these guys likely won’t be getting many snaps next year.
As we have seen, though, injuries can flare up at any time for San Francisco, which makes the arrival of Jones important. He has quite a bit of starting experience, but he will now have an opportunity to make a contribution to a playoff-contending team. Jones will likely have to earn his roster spot, but given his solid tape from 2025, he should have a leg up over guys like Apple and Hobbs heading into training camp.