Ex-Cowboys Star Cornerback Vows to Prove Jerry Jones Wrong After Tripled Paycheck from Jaguars

Another former Dallas Cowboys defender has turned heads this offseason, this time after securing a massive payday that dwarfs what he earned in Dallas. After years of steady production, the veteran cornerback has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a deal worth nearly three times his previous salary, sending a clear message back to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

During his tenure in Dallas, the corner’s contract structure reflected modest guarantees and conservative evaluations, with Jones and the front office believing he had reached his ceiling. That bet may have backfired. The Jaguars, viewing him as an essential piece to solidify their secondary, opened the checkbook and rewarded him with a blockbuster deal.

The deal underscores a growing perception that Dallas undervalued one of its most versatile defensive backs. For the player himself, it’s not just about money, but about validation. The jump in salary represents more than a raise — it’s a declaration that his skills remain in demand at the highest level.

In addressing the new contract, the defensive back did not mince words, stating: “They said I wasn’t worth that paycheck - well, the Jaguars gave me three times that. Jerry was fucking wrong, and now I’m here to prove exactly what he let go.”

That player is Jourdan Lewis, the veteran cornerback who spent seven seasons with the Cowboys before departing in free agency. His move to Jacksonville has been met with widespread attention, not only because of the money involved but also because of the chance to prove his doubters wrong.

The numbers tell the story. In his final year with Dallas (2024), Lewis played under a one-year, $2.8 million contract, with just $2.66 million in base salary. By contrast, his new deal with Jacksonville is a three-year pact worth $30 million, including $20 million guaranteed and an average of $10 million per year — nearly triple what he made in Dallas. The Jaguars also handed him $12.5 million in cash for the 2025 season alone, a massive jump from the team-friendly figure he previously earned under Jerry Jones.

Known for his toughness, slot coverage skills, and leadership presence in the locker room, Lewis has consistently produced when called upon. His arrival in Jacksonville is already being hailed as a culture-setting move for a franchise looking to make a deeper playoff run in 2025.

For Dallas, the decision to let Lewis walk is quickly becoming a hot topic. Fans and analysts are now debating whether Jones and the Cowboys miscalculated his value, with many suggesting that the team may regret letting him go at such a critical time.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Lewis in Jacksonville. With a tripled paycheck and a chip on his shoulder, he’s determined to prove Jerry Jones wrong — and to show the rest of the league that his best football is still ahead of him.