The 49ers bolster their secondary with a seasoned, physical cornerback. Discover how Jack Jones' ball-hawking skills and run-stopping prowess fit Raheem Morris' defensive vision.
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, cornerback is one need that is starting to fall down the list for the San Francisco 49ers. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has made the secondary a priority in his first offseason in Santa Clara, starting with the addition of Nate Hobbs in March, but the Niners have no intention of stopping their defensive back overhaul.
The 49ers have also agreed to terms on a one year deal with former Miami Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones. Jones appeared in and started all 17 games for Miami in 2025, proving to be a reliable fixture in their lineup. This follows a 2024 campaign with the Raiders where he started 16 of 17 games, making him a seasoned veteran for a secondary looking for stability.
The 28 year old isn't exactly the flashiest player the Niners could have signed, but he fits in perfectly with what Morris looks for in a DB. Jones is a natural ball hawk who can make big plays and he is a surprisingly stout run defender, posting a 77.7 PFF run-defense grade last season. While his volatility in coverage is the main reason he remained on the market until April, his physicality against the run will be a major asset against the division rival Seahawks and their bruising rushing attack.
Raheem Morris and the 49ers just signed another cornerback in Jack Jones
We know the Niners’ starting cornerbacks on the boundary will likely be Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green, with rookie standout Upton Stout or the veteran Nate Hobbs manning the nickel. In that context, Jones serves as a depth move. However, it isn't often you can sign a 17 game starter to be your CB5 in this league.
He was solid for Miami in 2025, recording 77 tackles and two forced fumbles, though his individual stats were occasionally bogged down by one of the least talented defensive units in the NFL. When given the opportunity in Las Vegas the year prior, he tied for fifth in the league in pass breakups, proving he can be a high level starter when the scheme fits.
The Niners were near the bottom of the NFL in takeaways last season, so at the very least, the former USC Trojan can help them in that area. Jones hails from California, so even though he grew up in Long Beach, a return to his roots makes sense for a team like the 49ers.
The Morris Blueprint
Hobbs is likely to play a versatile "inside-out" role for Morris' defense, similar to the one Dee Alford played in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Stout's 5’9” frame makes him the perfect dedicated nickel corner after a promising rookie year where he logged nearly 600 defensive snaps.
Jones, however, is arguably the best pure boundary corner the 49ers have outside of Lenoir and Green. While his arrival won't deter John Lynch from drafting a corner if the value is right, it provides a massive safety net. With the 49ers' notoriously poor injury luck, bringing in a proven veteran who can legitimately compete with Green for the CB2 job is a masterclass in roster building.